Sermon Notes Oct 4

Notes for Sunday: Oct 4th

Matthew 21 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.

God has a plan. This plan is laid out in Ex 20 in what we call the 10 Commandments. Before the 10 commandments are given back in Ch 19 we read:-

4  You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5  Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, 6  but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation” Exodus 19:4-6 (NRSV)

The People are reminded that before they are given the commandments they are already in a state of grace. “A priestly Kingdom, a holy nation! This is before they hear and obey! So the commandments become the life goals that translate faith into action. They have entered into a state of blessing and so demonstrate that by how they live.

Faith is always relational. John Wesley said. The bible knows nothing of a solitary Christian. So the 10 are a blue print to how the society will function in God’s kingdom.

God alone is worshipped,    people living in harmony, everyone finds a secure place because justice and peace prevail.

This was the plan of God in relationship with Israel. The nation lived on this understanding. But on the day Jesus told the parable they saw a very different picture emerging. The chosen tenants had been rejected, finalised by the killing of the Son. God’s plan had been for a nation under God’s leadership, worshipping and living in obedience, and by their witness shining a light across the rest of creation so that all may be gathered in. And they had failed.

18  Alas for you who desire the day of the LORD! Why do you want the day of the LORD? It is darkness, not light; 19  as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake. 20  Is not the day of the LORD darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it? 21  I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 22  Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. 23  Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. 24  But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:18-24 (NRSV)

God’s plan has not changed but there is a new direction.

2. Jesus includes us in that plan. When Jesus dies on the cross, he took with him, “all our darkness, all our failures”. And left us as believers in a state of grace. It is not a philosophical proposition, it is a practical reality, When Jesus died all that is contrary to God in us also was put to death.

In the Christian faith your action does not determine your worth. Out of nothing God created and from that creation you and I emerged, we are not separate from Creation, therefore we are sustained by God. Job done! I have nothing more to do, except recognise both the enormity and the cost of that action. And then get on with life, living with that new beginning in mind.

Jesus’ parable foretells a renewed plan. With the resurrection of Jesus the new plan has been put into place. The Lord God is resetting the kingdom for all those under a state of grace, through the cross.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 10  Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NRSV)

Sound familiar!

3. The plan is to bear fruit. How do we do that?

1. By remembering God has a plan Ask your self what do you really believe. Wafted off to some idyllic place in the sky maybe! That has more to with Platonism than Christianity.

God has a plan for future restoration of the whole of creation; including you and me. This gives us hope for the future in every situation.

Not only must God be central, also be sovereign!

Remember what you believe will in the end determine how you see life and then how you live.

2. That future hope then means we live with expectancy for a re-created society.

In Jesus the kingdom has been re-directed. Now that God is king then all in the kingdom live in a wonderful harmony.

25  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD. Isaiah 65:25 (NRSV)

As preparation we live our life on a daily basis using the Commandments as a true blue print for living.

17  Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18  If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20  No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (NRSV)

Keeping God central. Building true family relationships. Living at peace with all.

October 4 Part 2

October 4  Part 2

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”? Micah 6:8 (NRSV)

Reading. Philippians 3:4b-14   In our worldly society self made men or women are greatly admired. However Paul reminds his readers to have no confidence in who they are or from where they have come. In terms of relationship to God and the things of God, the Jews considered that they were already in a privileged position. Paul asks them to seriously reconsider. At the time of Jesus the Pharisees were regarded as being amongst the most holy and righteous of all the Jews. Paul believed that he had been a Pharisee of the Pharisees; despite this he now recognises that whatever gain he had drawn from his heritage he now considers as of no account. Paul has had a change of heart and is no longer willing to trust in what he was or on what he was doing. It is the resurrection of Jesus that has led him to this change of mind. Having met Jesus on the Damascus road and no doubt listened to the stories of the disciples who had seen Jesus alive after the crucifixion, Paul understood that Jesus’ resurrection marked a profound change. “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.” 1 Corinthians 15:20 (NRSV) In the risen Jesus the rescue of the creation and all that it contained had begun, and Paul wants to be a part of that new dispensation. He knows that he still had to persevere with this present life but his longing is to share in the resurrected life with Jesus. With this in mind Paul urges himself on, always with a hope of future resurrection and subsequently life with Jesus Christ. Reading on a few verses from our present passage we see that Paul is encouraging his readers to set their sights on this future goal for he says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself”. Philippians 3:20-21 (NRSV) This reminder is pertinent for all of us today just as it was to the people of Paul’s era. Through trusting in Jesus our citizenship is held for us in heaven, the place where God is and by trusting in that fact we, just like Paul, can look forward to a resurrected life in the company of Jesus Christ

Prayer. Almighty God through whom we live and move and have our being, we thank you for the promise that we have through Jesus Christ for future hope with you. We thank you too that not only in the future but day by day you continue to care for us and watch over us. For all the blessings of this life we praise you and trusting in your mighty power we pray that our lives may always be lived in order to give you honour and glory. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen

Reading. Matthew 21:33-46. The people listening to Jesus as he told this parable would have found the meaning both clear and also confronting. The hedged vineyard with a watchtower was a familiar description of Israel and her special relationship with the Lord. (Isaiah ch. 5). There was a longing for the Messiah to come, establish the kingdom and bring in a time when the Lord and all Israel would be once more in obedient harmony. As Jesus told the parable it would have become quite clear that the action of the king was to expel the chosen leaders and bring in a new people to inherit and occupy the kingdom. The message was clear that once again the teachers and leaders had lost their way and had failed to form a proper relationship to their God in life and worship. This was not a new message for Israel’s leaders to hear. “in all the vineyards there shall be wailing, for I will pass through the midst of you, says the Lord”. Amos 5:17 (NRSV) The nation had fallen from grace because they had not produced the harvest of righteousness that the Lord had wanted. “For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry!” Isaiah 5:7 (NRSV)

In addition Jesus takes the parable a step further and teaches that the rejection will come when the son, the Messiah, is killed. As the Pharisees were already plotting to have him put away this must have truly been a stinging word. Not only did the parable indicate that the chosen leaders and teachers would be expelled but then the way would be open for a new people all together to take their place. This would mean a new nation gathering around the Messiah. However the parable also reinforces the understanding that the Lord of the vineyard will continue to expect a harvest of righteousness. “He will …, lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” Matthew 21:41 (NRSV)

A question for us to consider is, “If we are followers of the Messiah, where do we stand in giving back to God the harvest which is his due”?

Prayer. Almighty and eternal God, you are able to do abundantly more than we can ever ask or think: Give us grace to believe that the things which seem impossible to logical minds are, according to your word, completely possible with you. Save us from doubting your goodness and all questioning of your love. Help us to trust in your wisdom and mercy, that we may be calm and unafraid as we face life together with you. In your kingdom all who trust can find a place of safety and love. By your grace, bless our homes and those whom we love. We ask that your protection, though often unseen, will keep us in perfect peace and harmony. By your calling may we seek to serve others, using the gifts you bring to us which enable us to be more effective in our service. Refresh every heart and life Lord and may the blessings of your salvation touch every part of our life together. Amen

Collect. Jesus, cornerstone, prophet of the reign of God, you come, and are rejected; you come, to suffer and die. Come to us today, and produce in us the fruit of obedience, for you are the Christ of God. Amen.

Lectionary Readings Oct 4

Lectionary Reading  October 4

The heavens tell out the glory of God, and proclaim God’s handiwork; the decrees of the Lord are sure, and make the simple wise.           Psalm 19:1,

Reading. Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Reading this selection of verses from Exodus it is easy to think, “Yes, the ten commandments! I know about them” But if we think a little deeper about the passage there are a few more things going on. The opening verse says “Then God spoke all these words:” Here at this time God is speaking directly to the people, so what is being spoken is of great importance. However, when we look at verse 18 we read that the people were most uncomfortable being able to hear from God directly. God was too awesome, too threatening and the people were intimidated: So with that in mind they said to Moses, “You can hear God on our behalf and then pass the message on to us.” Moses had been chosen by God to lead and here the people are also endorsing Moses as their leader of choice. Moses was to be the intermediary who stood between God and the people. This installs Moses as the great leader, the one who delivered the Law to the people. It also reminds us how awesome and powerful God is. This God, who is giving the Law, is not benign nor easily ignored: This is a God to be held in the greatest of respect and subsequently obeyed! So this passage emphasises the importance of Moses’ leadership, and also emphasises the importance of the Ten Commandments. These “Words” are not simply commands but lay out a way of life that leads to fulfilment and purpose for the nation’s future.

Whenever we have a set of rules, almost inevitably we begin to work out either how to get round them or how little needs to be done in order to not let them impinge on our desired way of life! (Just think about how you approach the speed limits when you are in a hurry to get to a meeting!) The passage envisions a way of life where all levels of society would be secure and even strangers would find a welcome and a place. That would be like heaven on earth and perhaps that is echoed in the prayer our Lord taught his disciples in the gospels. “Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. Luke 11:2

Prayer. Gracious God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the world that you have created, filling it with all manner of good things for us to admire and enjoy; We thank you for the boundless love the creation presents, reminding us of your mercies, which are ever new. Today we thank you for home and family, colleagues and friends; for work and the strength to do it; for hopes and dreams and holy purposes that reflect your will for us; we thank you for the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, filled with his presence may it shine out as a light in the world, that your glory may be seen, and all humanity rejoice in the salvation that has been won for us and all creation. This we pray in his most precious Name. Amen

Reading. Psalm 19  C S Lewis said of this psalm that it was the finest poem ever written. In the psalm the Law is like the sun which brings light to the whole creation. Indeed the Law radiates wonderful life into every part of the creation with great celebration. That celebration reflects the glory of God’s presence. The Law celebrates God’s presence and it is God’s presence that sustains the whole created order, “Nothing is hidden from the heat of this radiance!” Using this psalm in temple worship would have given the worshippers the understanding that God was not only with them but was also upholding everything. Imagine the great confidence this would have transferred to the people. God, their God was in charge and not only that, this God had their best interests at heart. If we think again about the Ten Commandments presenting a blue-print for a just and peaceful community, then this psalm expands that blue-print across the whole world. It projects a future hope for when God’s rule is established and the whole creation will be living in complete harmony. The theme of this psalm reinforces the prophetic message long held in Israel’s history, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands”. Isaiah 55:10-12 (NRSV)  To that we can only say. “Hallelujah!”

Prayer. “Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live”. Psalm 116:2 (NRSV) You Lord are our light and our strength, to you alone we offer our prayers, thanking you for all the wonders that you have in store for all those who love and serve you. Help us to walk in your ways and give to us the eyes to see you at work in our world, renewing and reviving that which is in need. Help us not to be careless of the needs of those around us but by serving you give help and comfort without fear or favour. Trusting in your guiding grace, grant that we will be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ, who gave his life as a sacrifice for many and ushered in your new dispensation of light and truth. To you be all praise and glory now and always. Amen

Collect. Almighty God, you have built your Church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. Join us together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may become a holy temple, acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

27 Sept. Part 2

27 September   Part 2

Reading. Philippians 2:1-13        Paul is encouraging the Christians at Philippi to realise that being a Christian makes a difference to how they live and relate to each other. If we look at Jesus Christ from the perspective of being the second Adam {1Corinthians 15:47}, then we realise how different is the dispensation which Jesus inaugurates. Adam and Eve were separated from God because they longed to be as God. {Genesis 3:5} Jesus reverses that grasping desire by not striving to be as God but by living out his obedience to God with humility. Jesus allowed God to lead him rather that making his own way and doing his own thing. Paul is reminding the believers that they are a community of the redeemed who recognise that Jesus Christ their redeemer is Lord and has established a different way. This calls them to love one another and Paul is urging them to understand that love takes the form of a servant. Together they share love, joy and peace; they bear one another’s burdens with compassion and sympathy. While still identifying with a world of sin and pain they keep working at reconciliation with Jesus Christ at their very centre. They are to be hand in hand with Jesus Christ and with one another. Paul longs to see the action of the Spirit bearing fruit in all believers to the glory of God. “make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:2-3 (NRSV)

Prayer. Father, the call to love is strong and clear; help us to be loving in both thought and action. May our whole life be one lived in unity with you and with all your people. Prepare us, 0 Lord, to receive with true humility the lessons of your Holy Word; and let your Spirit teach us to walk always in the ways of your truth; may we work to maintain a unity of fellowship with all believers. Give to each of us a watchful, and a humble spirit; that we may seek in all things to know your will for us; and when we know it, may we serve perfectly and gladly, to the honour and glory of your Name; Into  your care we commit ourselves today praying that by your grace we may walk with confident steps before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading.  Matthew 21:23-32  When Jesus is questioned about his authority to preach and teach the answer seems to be quite equivocal. “If you will answer my question then I will answer your question”. This sends the questioners into a flurry for they see the adverse consequences both of their answers could evoke. Rather than being obscure Jesus is forcing the leaders to think a little deeper about what he is teaching. When we link the question with the parable of the two sons, verses 28 to 32, we might ask ourselves who is it that is questioning Jesus’ authority? We see that it is those who are sure of their status before God, the religious leaders. In the parable Jesus draws out some telling points for his questioners which we need to recognise. By the time of Jesus, the connection between the father and the son(s) reminded the religious leaders of the covenant God had made with Israel. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me;” Hosea 11:1-2 (NRSV) The setting of the parable being in a vineyard was also seeped in prophetic literature. “You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it”. Psalm 80:8 (NRSV) From the vine that was Israel, God wanted only good fruit. Jesus’ parable brings many references of God’s kingdom, with which the religious leaders would have been very familiar; it also reminded them of the need to produce good fruit by being actional in the kingdom! While the parable did not answer the authority question it did force the questioners to look at the way they had responded to the teaching of John the Baptist: How had they responded to the prophetic call of John?

It was a challenge for them and as we read this passage it is a challenge for us. How have we responded to the message that scripture has brought to us. Have we given mental assent to God’s call to love and serve and yet done nothing to change. Or have we heard God’s call and responded by recognising that God is at work in our world and calls us to obedient service. A true son or daughter serves God in obedience and by doing so recognises the authority of Jesus!

Prayer. Most Gracious God, whose goodness and mercy have followed us every moment of our lives; We bless and thank you for goodness to us, for you are slow to anger and bear with us in all our frailties. Give to us we pray a clear direction of the path we should take to serve you in our changing society. May we be productive by your power to work as in your kingdom. We pray for those around us, some who we know, others we only hear about; comfort all those who are troubled by isolation or restrictions caused by the present virus, those who are desolate and separated from family and friends, may your powerful presence give health instead of sickness, joy instead of mourning, and rest instead of sleepless nights; may we all have the confidence to look ahead with hope trusting in your faithfulness as Sovereign Lord; all this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.;

Collect. God of superabundant mercy, you offer forgiveness to each and all; the poor and needy gladly receive your grace. May we be counted among them, never despising your mercy, nor those who find it; for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Lectionary Reading. Sept. 27

Lectionary Readings       27 September

“he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8 (NRSV)

Reading. Exodus 17:1-7   “Why do you test The Lord?” This is the phrase that permeates this passage of scripture. Despite all that God has done to release the people from slavery their immediate needs block out the remembrance of past blessings. On reflection that pretty much sums up how we all might respond when immediate needs seem life threatening!  Yet even in these circumstances, as always, the Lord has the answer.

Moses and the elders are directed by God to Horeb and to stand on the rock there. Horeb maybe a play on words as in Hebrew it can be translated as “dryness” or “desolation”; alternatively Horeb was the place where Moses fasted for forty days and then received the Law and so this is a sacred place in the history of Israel and very much linked to the Covenant between the Lord and the People. The water to save the people comes from this sacred mingling of God’s promises to save and sustain. Notice that in verse 6 it says, “I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:6 (NRSV). As Moses obeys God stands with him, not alongside him but in front of him. God had promised to be with him when Moses had received his commissioning. (Exodus 3:12) Those who lead at God’s command never lead alone, God is always with them and as this passage reminds us God can do amazing things. Despite their grumbling the people were supplied with water from the rock and prove once again God’s faithfulness to both his people and his promises.

As we reflect on this story we might wonder at how quickly people forget God’s amazing blessings until we honestly examine our own lives and realise that we have to learn again and again to trust in the Lord to provide a way through the wilderness of life. Praise God that through learning, eventually we come to realise as the passage reminds us, that the Lord provides in each and every situation.

Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, the king of all creation. We bow in prayer to you today, amazed that you should empty yourself of all and trust in God alone to sustain you. Forgetting what was behind, you pressed on to the task that lay ahead and through your trust glorified God alone. By your ministry of grace you have won for us reconciliation with God our father and a place in his everlasting kingdom. Help us to place our whole trust in you and by your sustaining fulfil the purpose you have set for us as individuals. By trusting in you alone may we prove to be true disciples of the cross and in all things and in all ways give glory to our Father in heaven. Amen

Reading.  Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 In the NRSV bible this psalm is titled, “God’s goodness and Israel’s ingratitude”. In the portion of the psalm in today’s reading the psalmist is highlighting in poetic language the way God has brought the people from Egypt and into the Promised Land. The psalmist urges his generation to teach the stories of their heritage to the children reminding them again and again of what has happened in the nation’s past. When families gather together many families tell stories from their past: stories of parents and grandparents. They also tell stories about their children when they were only infants. Sometimes these stories are told so often that the children remember these personal events even though they were too young to remember without reinforcement.

The point the psalmist is making is that with repeated telling, the stories are indelibly printed into the minds of the young so clearly that they remember as if they were there. It is that sense of being there and present to the great acts of God that gives the stories their immediacy and their power to impact on the lives of each succeeding generation. In this way each new generation develops a picture of who they are and the family into which they have been born as well as how they are related to the kin-group around them.

It is not enough just to know of the provisions God has made for his people throughout history, each one of us is also called to pass on this information to each succeeding generation. By being told the story we participate in our faith, and by telling our stories we pass on to our children and others the living truth which rests among the stories. Faith is caught not taught but it is the telling of the stories of God’s great acts that transmits the truth about God and opens the way for faith to flourish.

Prayer. Almighty and Everlasting God, you  have promised to hear our prayers for others in the Name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; So today we pray for our families, and all those who love and support us. We lift our hands and hearts to you asking that your blessing would surround them and us. May we all acknowledge the power of your providential care, remembering how blessed we are to live under your grace. Relying on your goodness and grace may we all grow from strength to strength. Help us all to live lives worthy of our calling; as we trust in Jesus Christ may we also let him lead us on to fulfil your plan and purpose for us. This we ask in his name. Amen

Collect. O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Notes September 20

For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. Matthew 20:1 (NRSV)

As we approach this passage echoing in my mind is a short passage from the end of Job:  Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Gird up your loins like a man; I will question you, and you declare to me. Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be justified? 9  Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his? 10  “Deck yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendour. 11  Pour out the overflowings of your anger, and look on all who are proud, and abase them. 12  Look on all who are proud, and bring them low; tread down the wicked where they stand. 13  Hide them all in the dust together; bind their faces in the world below. 14  Then I will also acknowledge to you that your own right hand can give you victory. Job 40:6-14 (NRSV)

Now Job of all the biblical characters would seem to have a legitimate claim to whinge to God.  Job had lost children, livestock and property. His friends were more of a hindrance than a help yet at the end of the trials and tribulations these verses resonate with God’s displeasure.

The created can never criticize the creator. It is not possible.

So!, If you are saying to yourself that this parable is clearly unfair, then you are using human wisdom to re-interpret God’s kingdom

Paul puts it more gently but actually says the same thing with these words, “ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 1 Corinthians 3:19 (NRSV)

Do not be misled God does not make mistakes;

 From a human perspective the pivot point is this verse: “Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. Matthew 20:10

The daily wage meant your needs were provided for: Not lavish but way better than not being employed and going hungry. So they all got what was needed.

As a Christian how much more reward do you want!   For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NRSV)

This is not a parable about a Barossa Valley vineyard this is about God’s Kingdom:- This is where our eternal destiny is to be found.  

In the Kingdom:-

1]. God wants everyone to be included. From early in the morning until almost nightfall the labourers were being called into the vineyard.

For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. Ezekiel 34:11-12 (NRSV)

It is not God’s will that anyone should perish. “The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NRSV).

God does not want anyone to go hungry.

2]. Each one was called to serve. All were called to work, to work with the owner gathering in the vintage. In the new creation there will be work to do.

Many are affected with mental health issues which have increased due to the virus. We are purposeful people and the moment we are prevented from having a purpose, life becomes intolerable. The one who created us knows that very well. In God’s Kingdom we will each have a purpose. I don’t know what that purpose will be for each but there will be a purpose. Each was called to serve.

3]. God wants to be generous to everyone. The return gave to each worker sufficient:

Justice does not enter into it, but gracious generosity does. We need not look for justice but for the mercy of God’s grace which is beyond all of our needs or expectations. If we looked only for justice it would be a bleak future!

It is not about how much they worked but about how gracious God is. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?‘ Matthew 20:15  In God’s Kingdom, God is fully in charge for God brooks no rivals.

The whole parable reminds us that it is God who takes care of us. Not by wrapping us up in cotton wool but by making sure that we are fully secured.

20 September Part 2

20 September     Part 2

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NRSV)

Read. Philippians 1:21-30        Paul’s sense of connectedness with Christ is so acute that whether in this life or the next his relationship with Christ would not change. Paul is not thinking of dying and “going to heaven” he is thinking of leaving this present life to go on living in the next world with Christ in a bodily sense.

The early Christians did not live a life of ease, nor was it a life filled with worldly peace: No, it was a life often filled with rejection and sometimes violent persecution. With that in mind it is easier to understand why Paul is contemplating leaving this life and being with Christ.  What seems to be foremost in his mind is that while he lives he can spend fruitful time proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Doing what you love and have a passion for does bring fulfilment, yet at the same time to be released from the stress of life does have a certain appeal. In the struggle to decide Paul finally is convinced that working until Christ calls him home is better for everyone and more faithful to what Christ would want. At the same time Paul uses the struggle to remind Christians that no matter what the circumstances, the life that we live must be honouring to Jesus. The suffering that Paul faced was not so much physical, nor simply illness, it was moral and spiritual: It was being abused and vilified by the very people who should have been supporting him because of the need to declare the good news of Jesus: It was hard heartedness and jealously. These are the things that caused him the greatest distress. In the face of such suffering Paul pressed on with his ministry tasks. A life that is worthy of Christ is a good witness to those who do not yet believe. Furthermore Paul is encouraging all Christians to live a life that honours Jesus no matter what their situation

Prayer. Holy Lord, may our whole life be lived fully in step with you. Lead and guide us in all ways. Help us to pray not as we ought but as we are able, so that our whole being will be dedicated to you. You Lord are our God and to you we owe all things for you have sent your Son our Lord Jesus Christ to rescue us from sin and death and set us free to love and honour you. Through His presence you give us hope and the assurance of a future with you. Our Lord Jesus is the Light that lights every nation on earth and so we thank you for the great fellowship of believers who hour by hour lift up praise and thanks to you. May your name be honoured through all the earth. We pray in the name of Jesus our Saviour and Lord. Amen

Read. Matthew 20:1-16. Echoing in my mind as this reading unfolds is a verse from Job. Of all the characters in the bible Job seems to have a right to question the motives of God. Job had lost children, livestock and property. His friends were more of a hindrance than a help yet at the end of the book Job is confronted by God with this verse “Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding”. Job 38:3-4 (NRSV) The force of the argument is simply that the created never has the capacity to question the Creator. We need to begin from this point as we consider the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The parable is a description of God’s kingdom; all is going well until the time for payment. At that point the parable seems to describe something a little different. The workers who have served all day receive the same amount as the workers who have only worked for an hour. It was as if the workers who had worked all day had been cheated; “when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner”…, Matthew 20:11 (NRSV)

As a description of the kingdom we need to grasp the understanding that we cannot earn recognition in the kingdom by service, nor can we ever place God in our debt. Whatever God gives is a gift not a wage or an entitlement, every gift is an act of grace. It is a privilege to be invited to participate in the kingdom for in the kingdom each ones needs are met. A worker was paid each day so that the worker could provide food for the family and pay for all that was necessary to sustain life. Not to be employed was disastrous for a day worker.

However, the parable also reminded the listeners that though one could not earn a place in the kingdom all are allowed to serve. Each worker had the dignity of contributing to the kingdom by using the gifts and opportunities that came to hand. To be left in the marketplace was both a disappointment and a disgrace; to be invited to serve was to be offered security and life.

Prayer. Gracious Father, we thank you that in every situation of life you are there. We thank you that you provide for us and give to us all we need for daily living. We thank you that through your love we are able to serve you and that you accept our service. Help us at all times and in all ways to live in order to honour you, trusting always in your grace. To you we give all thanks and praise for all the benefits that relying on you brings. Help us in return to serve you well and give glory to you now and forever. Amen

Collect. O God, you have enlisted us as co-workers with your Son. Give us thankful hearts, eager minds and willing hands, that we may be content to labour where you have set us for the sake of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lectionary Reading 20 Sept.

Lectionary Reading  20 Sept

Give thanks to the Lord, call on God’s name; make music, sing your praise, tell all that God has done.  Psalm 105:1, 2

Read. Exodus 16:2-15 4  

This passage begins with the people grumbling about their situation. With a wistful recollection, they decide that slavery in Egypt was better than freedom in the wilderness. In response,  Exodus records the following statement. “Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not”. Exodus 16:4 (NRSV)          When it rained down the people called it manna, (What is it!) “It”, was bread from heaven.

When Adam and Eve were evicted from the Garden one of the conditions for future living was that “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 (NRSV) In other words bread was obtained through toil. Here in the wilderness this was bread from heaven; signalling that it was a gift of grace from God and also a sign that this wilderness trial was the beginning of a new dispensation. In this new dispensation God would be the one who would supply all of the people’s needs and those who trusted in God would rely obediently on him. Hence the test! We know that we do not live by bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3). However we also know that without bread we cannot live at all, so in providing bread from heaven the people are being given the essentials for living. As Paul says “And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:19 (NRSV) The bread from heaven was not only provision for the journey it was also the opportunity to place their trust completely in God.

Prayer. Lord you are the hope of all those who call upon you. Hear our prayers for all those who are trusting in you through these times of isolation and disquiet. We pray for the leaders of our country that they may have wisdom and understanding to guide us safely. We ourselves pray for wisdom as we face the changes that life has brought to us. We trust in your guidance and grace to provide all that we need for the journey. As each stage of our lives unfolds we know that you are always ahead of us to lead and guide; you are also behind us to protect and keep us secure. In all things we give you thanks and praise; living always to honour your way and lifting high the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Read. Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 The psalmist is urging the worshippers to recall the great deeds of God and give out the praise God deserves for many miracles and acts of grace to the people. The psalmist recalls the provision of abundant food and water which we noted in the reading from Exodus. The psalmist anchors this amazing provision directly to the covenant promise made to Abraham. ‘For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant”. Psalm 105:42 (NRSV)  Thus the psalmist in recognising that God is due great praise not simply for the amazing deeds that were done, but also because God is absolutely faithful in his dealings with the people. Yes, God is mighty and powerful but above all God is faithful and always to be trusted. Remembering the deeds, the people are also encouraged to trust and to walk in obedience. The psalm gives a snapshot of the destiny of Israel reminding the people how privileged they are to have the Lord as their Shepherd and ends with the reminder that in turn they are to keep true faith with God. “He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples, that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the LORD!” Psalm 105:44-45 (NRSV)

Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, your word reminds us that you make intercession for us, so that we may with full confidence call upon our Father, who from his bounty provides us with every necessity of life. Trusting in you, may we follow more closely in obedience the way Jesus has prepared for us: Forgive us for those things which are contrary to your will, those things we know and remember as well as those things we do not know or have dismissed from our memory. You are the God of peace; help us to follow in the way of peace; save us from the propensity to so easily deceive ourselves and be drawn away from your harmony and grace filled life. You Lord, have made us for yourself, help us to be true to you alone. This we ask through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity. Amen.

Collect. Loving and righteous God, the greatness of your generosity is beyond words to describe; you give equally to the last worker as to the first. By the gift of your Spirit liberate us from all selfishness and greed; that we may be free to love and serve others, and in that self-giving to find our reward; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sermon ideas, Rms 14

Romans 14v7f: We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

In a survey conducted by Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW, more than 70 per cent of participants said they were not inclined to plan ahead for their last days!.

Charles Brown and Snoopy are sitting together looking at the sunset. You only live once. No, you only die once, you live every day.

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

I have repeated this verse so many time as part of the funeral liturgy and in that setting it is a verse of great comfort for it gives hope, the hope that the Lord has all the bases covered. Whether those who mourn hear that message is a different story and a funeral is not the place to try to explain it. But today we are not at a funeral and so I want to have a crack at thinking through this verse. Paul did not write this passage with the intent of a funeral prayer, on the contrary it was written about God, as this great theological epistle is drawing to an end .

Life is only possible in relationship with God. Why, Because God is the great creator and gives life to all the living.O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.  Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.  They all depend on you to give them food as they need it. When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied. But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth. Psalm 104:24-30

So we live our lives under God: Under both his judgement as well as his promises. You can’t get away from God. “A prospective groom once said to me, I don’t believe in God! To which I responded, God is not going to worry about that but He’s still there and one day you will have to reckon with Him.” (I did not conduct the wedding much to the brides disappointment !)

One day we will all have to reckon with Him. Reality is we will all have to come to terms with God. Why! Because life will end and as Snoopy said, you only die once. However in Jesus Christ that fact is qualified with the hope of eternal life.  Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Jesus Christ will be given new life. 1 Corinthians 15:22 Now isn’t that interesting.” If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. When you are the Lord’s he takes care of everything.

So in this life we live trusting in Jesus, He gives us hope and strength, joy and peace, he gives us the confidence to face life, life can be tough, you need a foundation to rest on. This is what Jesus provides in life. But also this is what Jesus provides for us in death.

A Sunday school class were learning about Enoch who walked with God: .” And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Genesis 5:24 (KJV) Enoch a friend of God’s and one day Enoch just wasn’t there any more. The SS trying with with some difficulty to explain that phenomenon. Anyhow one bright little lass said. I know! As they walked one day God said. “Enoch, today why don’t we go and play at my place today and they liked it so much Enoch stayed there with God.

And one day God will call, but in Jesus Christ we have a place to go. Because you see, whether we live or we die we are the Lord’s. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” John 14:1-2 (NRSV)

These verses in Romans are placed in the centre of an instruction to live at ease with fellow believers. In other words it is our own relationship with God which is of concern. We have no need and certainly no right to reframe another believer’s relationship with God. Each of us will have to stand before God and answer for our life. Truly trusting in what Jesus has done leaves no room to judge how another believer chooses to live. That does not mean we stand idly by while a brother or sister goes off the rails.My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 (NRSV)

In this verse is a sense of love and concern not an opportunity to take charge of another person’s life so as to presume to tell them how to live. To do that is to place yourself above another. At every point we are to trust in what Jesus has done.

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. Psalm 127:1 (NRSV) The scripture gives plenty of advise about future outcomes. And this psalm in particular reminds us that we need to place our trust in God, not in anything else. Yet our verse today reminds us that when we place our trust in God that we can have perfect confidence for whether we live or die we are the Lord’s.

13 September Part 2

13 September  Part 2

May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2 (NRSV)

Read. Romans 14:1-12. For Paul there was only one way for the Christian and that was to rely fully on the freedom that Jesus Christ has won. We do not fully comprehend the struggles that some of the early converts to Christianity would have faced, for all the ancient religions including Judaism were beset with a host of rules that dictated how you were supposed to live out your faith. A weak person was the one who strived to keep all the rules whilst a strong person lived out of the freedom that Jesus had won. However Paul is admonishing both groups. Anyone who felt constrained to judge another believer was not living in freedom at all but was on the contrary, taking God’s place. Only God had the right to judge. It was the master’s role to judge the servant and the servant had no place judging another servant. James 4:1 reminds us that it is not being at peace within ourselves that is the cause of quarrelling.  What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? James 4:1 (NLT2)

When we are at ease in heart and mind we are always more accepting of others. Jesus prayed that all believers would be one and so in all our relationships we need to always submit to the way of Jesus Christ. As Luther says when discussing this section of the epistle, “It is the gospel which is paramount!” and so we need always to keep that in mind as we live, worship and fellowship with one another.

Prayer. Lord help us to be at peace within allowing your forgiveness to touch every part of our life’s experience. Help us to be at peace with ourselves so that by focussing our thankful hearts on you we may live at peace with one another. Guide us in the ways of peace at all times and in all circumstances. Above all may we be open to your loving presence, which brings both your mercy and your strength. May we conform to your will and to live life in honour of your loving grace. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 (NLT2)

Read.  Matthew 18:21-35. This passage is clearly about forgiveness. Peter thought he was being very generous because he was more than fulfilling what the law proscribed. The rabbis taught that you should forgive up to three times, that principle is spelt out in the threefold process of forgiveness in the !5,16 & 17th verses of this 18th chapter of Matthew. So Peter would have expected a warm pat on the back for being so generous, but no. God wants extravagant forgiveness, forgiveness without measure, and in all situations. In the story of the unforgiving servant the debts are grossly unequal. A talent was a unit weight of money and a single talent was worth more than 15 years wages for a day labourer. A denarius was the usual days pay for a labourer. As our passage indicates the debt we forgive, is insignificant when compared to the debt we owe to God.

The underlying principle in the passage is that God expects us to forgive, as is clear from the closing verse! “So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” A key condition for the receiving of God’s forgiveness is the willingness to forgive others. The forgiven life is the forgiving life. However like all things of God it is much more than just a set of rules to be obeyed,

We forgive because he first forgave us. “Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”  Col 3:13 NRSV

Human forgiveness reflects our experience and understanding of divine forgiveness. Forgiveness puts us into a right relationship with God through the sacrifice of Jesus: It restores us in both personal relationships and fellowship. When we are in a right relationship with God, it is easier, indeed natural to forgive. Only when we know God’s forgiveness is true forgiveness possible.

Prayer. Almighty God you give life to the living and renew hope for the dying. Your mercy touches every part of life and just as you refresh the world with new seasons, so you refresh us at every change, always renewing us in your love. We lift our hands and hearts to you alone for you are sovereign over all things. Accept our thanks and praise as we live through this day, trusting in your strength and looking always to you for guidance. We honour your love and care of us and pray that you will give to us the compassion we need in order to love all those that we meet today and every day. This we ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you; One God for ever more. Amen 

Collect. Gracious Father, you do not treat us as we deserve, but you are mercy and life. As in Christ your Son you have forgiven us, may we also forgive one another, for his sake and in his name. Amen.