pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: church


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Focus on the Good

Reading: Romans 16:17-20

Romans 16:19 – “But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil.”

As Paul closes his letter to the Romans, he returns to a familiar topic: Christian unity. On one level, in our age where the church has split into literally 100’s of denominations, this passage applies to individual churches. Yet on the larger level I can’t help but think that all these divisions grieves the heart of God. At what point do genuine theological differences divide and at what point is it personal preference or opinion that leads to division?

Taking broad strokes today, Paul warns us to “watch out for people who create division and problems against the teaching you heard.” Paul is talking about a core set of theological understandings about Jesus and what it means to truly follow him. My mind goes to the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets… that we used to wear. This question still makes a great filter for Paul’s warning. Paul continues to advice concerning these folks, writing, “Keep away from them. They are serving their own feelings.”

We all know and see people and leaders who regularly choose selfish ambition over humble service to the common good. We see people in positions of power using “smooth talk” to justify the things they are doing and saying that would make Jesus cry and weep if he were present today. In the midst of all this Paul turns to the individuals that make up the church, saying, But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil.” In the midst of a world focused on self, you focus on the good. Love God and love neighbor. Let that be your guide. Be well aware of the evils and stay innocent of these things. And trust. Yes, trust that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan.” Lord Jesus, come soon. Come soon.

Prayer: Lord God, as churches and as believers, we have so much in common in our theologies and understandings. Use these primary matters to create more unity in the family of God. Help us to understand that secondary and tertiary matters do not have to divide us. Lead us to make better choices, to model Jesus’ love better. Gather your church to be the witness that you desire us to be. Amen.


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Worthy of the Call

Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7

Ephesians 4:2 – “Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other in love.”

Chapter 4 of Ephesians begins with Paul’s call to “live as people worthy of the call” of God. We can see this as the summary statement for what follows in the next few verses. Paul’s focus overall is the unity of the body of believers. The “church” should reflect to the world the love, grace, mercy… of God. To fail to do so greatly damages the church’s ability to witness to the world. If the world cannot see God and Christ in the church and in her actions, then the world will never listen to her words.

With these thoughts in mind, Paul gets down to specifics: “Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other in love.” Practicing these four virtues or behaviors on a regular basis will work to bring unity to the body of believers. Humility works against pride and judging – two primary dividers of any group of people. Gentleness guides our words, our thoughts, our actions, steering them away from gossip, critiquing, and harsh words and actions. Patience raises our levels of understanding concerning our differences in thought, belief, and practice, and it makes us take pause before speaking words that might cause harm or hurt. These first three virtues guide us to accept one another in genuine love, bringing peace and unity to the body of Christ.

When we as individuals and we as the church live out these Christ-following virtues, the oneness that Paul speaks of becomes evident in our lives and in our churches. This draws others towards Christ. Living a life and a faith worthy of our calling matters for us personally and it matters for the watching world. Therefore, in all things may we lift high the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, living out these virtues – humility, gentleness, patience, acceptance – can be challenging. So, Lord, when we’re tempted to be less than you call us to be, whisper your words of love and grace, peace and unity into our ears. Bring before our hearts and hands the example of Christ. Empowered by these reminders, use us to build your kingdom in our hearts and here on earth. Amen.


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Willing to Risk

Reading: Colossians 1:24-29

Colossians 1:27 – “God wanted to make the glorious riches of his secret plan known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory.”

Paul writes of his ministry to the church in verses 24-29 and beyond. Much more so than we do today, the earliest church both expected and almost welcomed suffering for their faith. If their faith was being lived out enough to draw persecution… then it was a faith worthy of Jesus Christ. This is why Paul states that he is “happy” to suffer for his service to the church. There was an honor to continue Christ’s suffering “for the sake of the church.”

Paul speaks of a “secret plan” that was being revealed to the Gentiles. Jewish thought at that time believed that God’s plans were complete but were held in heaven, to be revealed in God’s time. These ‘plans’ were established at the creation of the world, so they have been hidden for many generations. But now, “God wanted to make the glorious riches of his secret plan known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory.”

The goal for Paul and all in the early church was for every person, for all people, to experience the indwelling presence of Christ’s Spirit in their hearts, to know the living hope that they knew. So wonderful was this faith and so great was their hope, they were willing to suffer so that they could share their faith in Jesus Christ with literally everyone. May it be so for us as well!

Prayer: Lord God, draw us to a depth of faith where we will risk more for the spreading of your word. Encourage us to step across those lines, into places and lives where there might be a cost to sharing our faith. Walk with us, Lord, strengthening and equipping us for this journey. Amen.


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Loving Others, Giving of Self

Reading: John 19:25-27 and 33-35

John 19:34 – “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

On the day of Jesus’ death there are a handful of women and “the disciple whom he loved” at the foot of the cross. The women include Jesus’ mother, her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John is there too, the beloved disciple. Looking down from the cross, Jesus employs a Jewish law, entrusting his mother’s care to John. Jesus created not only a new family but also the community of faith. Loving and caring for one another as a family does will be a mark of the early church. It is the mark of Christ-following communities today.

In the second part of our reading the soldiers are making sure that Jesus is dead. The religious leaders were concerned that the killing of an innocent man was completed before sundown – so that they could properly honor God and the Sabbath. In verse 34 we read, “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John, a gospel rich in symbolism and meaning, keeps Jesus’ legs unbroken, an unblemished lamb slaughtered for our sins. The water and blood that flow – like the living water of Jesus Christ that we experience in baptism and throughout our journeys of faith. The blood, like the blood poured out for many, cleansing us of our sin.

Today, as we remember the palm parade, joyously celebrating the Messiah, the one who came in the name of the Lord, let us also remember this Jesus in the cross, the one who died as he lived: loving others, giving of self.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the faithful witness of John, for his presence in these moments and so many others in Jesus’ life. He testifies to the truth and shares his Jesus with others. May we do the same, O God. Amen.


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The Lord Reigns

Readings: Luke 22:67-69 and Acts 7:56

Luke 22:69 – “But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God.”

Photo credit: Fuu J

As the passion of the Christ continues to unfold in Luke’s gospel, the religious leaders ask Jesus if he is the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus begins by addressing their hard hearts. No matter what Jesus says or even asks the religious leaders they will not believe that he is God’s Son. If they did or even thought that he might be, Jesus would not be standing trial before them. Jesus is calling out the hypocrisy of their question.

To answer their question, Jesus paraphrases from Psalm 110:1. In verse 69 he says, “But from now on, the Human One will be seated on the right side of the power of God.” This Psalm of David reaffirms the messianic promise of God, offering hope for Israel’s future. David refers to this coming Messiah as “my Lord.” In claiming to fulfill the words of David, Jesus infuriates the religious leaders. For them this seals Jesus’ fate.

Fast forwarding a few years, we turn to Acts 7. The apostles and followers of Jesus Christ have been spreading the good news in both word and deed. The church is growing. This has heightened the tension and conflict with the Jewish religious leaders. Overcome with jealousy, the religious leaders began harassing the church. Stephen “stood out among the believers.” God’s grace was clearly at work in his life. There is a conflict and false charges are made up. Stephen is arrested and finds himself before the ruling council. Stephen outlines Israel’s history for these religious leaders, greatly angering them. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Stephen declares, “Look! I can see heaven on display and the Human One standing at God’s right side!” In anger, the religious leaders stone Stephen..The truth is too hard to hear.

Prayer: Lord God, from the lips of David to the lips of Jesus to the lips of Stephen, the message remains: Jesus is Lord. This day we humble ourselves and ask that you would reign in our hearts and in our lives, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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I Am… or Maybe?

Reading: Mark 14:61-62, Matthew 26:63-64

Mark 14:61 – “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed one?”

Our two readings come from the same place in Jesus’ story. He has been arrested at night and stands trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This group leads under the power of the Romans. While this arrangement limits their power, the religious leaders still have a great amount of influence over the Jewish people.

For the first part of his trial, Jesus remains silent. He will not respond to false accusations. When the high priest, Caiaphas, asks, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed one?” Jesus answers. The question is worded differently in Matthew’s gospel, but the intent is the same. The hope is for Jesus to incriminate himself.

In Mark’s gospel Jesus responds, “I am.” It is a definitive answer. This aligns with the direct nature of Mark’s gospel and with his focus on encouraging the church to be thr church. Mark would like the church to respond to this type of question definitively. In word and action, Mark would like to see the church talk and act in ways that are easily identifiable as “Christian.”

In Matthew’s gospel the response is almost a non-response: “You said it.” Maybe. In both gospels Jesus adds that they’ll see the “Human One” sitting at God’s right hand and then coming on the clouds. In Matthew this feels like a “one day” statement: “One day you’ll know that I am the Messiah.”

As I read and ponder these two accounts, I wonder what kind of a follower I am. And I wonder what kind of a church we are. In my/our words and actions, do I/we state that I/we follow Christ as Lord and Savior? Or does our example say, “Maybe?”

Prayer: Lord God, encourage and empower me and my brothers and sisters in Christ to declare our faith in you in all ways. In the kindness, mercy, grace, love, care, compassion, generosity… that we live out, may the world know that you are Lord and Savior. Amen.


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Keep at the Walk

Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Mark 16:7 – “Go, tell the disciples… You will see him there, just as he told you “

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

As originally written, Mark’s gospel seems to end abruptly and without resolution. It ends with the women fleeing in fear. They were so afraid, they didn’t say anything to anyone. That’s the original ending point. In the fourth and second centuries one verse 9 and verses 9-20 were added, respectively. In these additions the women do tell and the risen Jesus does appear to his followers. But Mark’s original ending, it really does beg the question: Why end it there, that way?!

Mark’s whole gospel is aimed at getting the church to be the church. The teachings he chooses and the parables Mark employs are all aimed at reminding the church of how Jesus taught and called them to live in the world. Chapter 16 is no different.

Mary, Mary, and Salome go and buy spices to anoint a body. Their hopes were dashed at the cross. Here they do the next thing. Church, disappointment and apparent failure will come. Keep doing the next thing. The women worry about the stone. They wonder who will move it. Here God does a thing. Church, if you are faithful, trust God to act. Inside the empty tomb an angel gives them instructions. They’re afraid. They do nothing. But we’re reading these words so the story doesn’t really end this way. Church, when God speaks something to you that feels scary or risky or hard to believe, say or do it anyway. Believe in God’s whispers, nudges, and movements. Then be amazed by what God does. This story is ongoing. The call to keep at the walk of faith, to trust and believe, to be amazed by God – that’s still our story. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be the faithful church. Guide us on an obedient walk. When there is struggle, when there is disappointment, when there is uncertainty, when there is fear and worry – whisper words of love, nudge us with your presence, move alongside us. Use us as your church. Amen.


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A Heart Tuned

Reading: Micah 6:6-8

Micah 6:7 – “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil?”

“What does the Lord require?” That is the title for the section of scripture that we read today. We learned yesterday, from Luke 10, that a good answer is to love your neighbor. It becomes a great answer when we understand that our “neighbor” is anyone in need. Loving God with all that we are was the other part of the legal expert’s “correct” answer to the same basic question. Today we read Micah’s thoughts on this question. The prophet focuses on both sides of the love God, love neighbor concept.

Micah begins with the “religiously correct” answer. Sacrificial offerings were the culturally acceptable response to your God/god, whether you were Hebrew or Moabite or Canaanite. Although Israel’s understanding was not quite as transactional as this process was with pagan gods, there was certainly an element of checking the box at this point in Israel’s history. Their going through the motions disgusted God. That is why Micah, tongue-in-cheek, asks, “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil?” Speaking to the pagan practices and to the point he is making, he next asks, “Well, then, how about my oldest child instead?”

The real answer to the title question comes in verse 8. It is a heart tuned fully to God. That is what is “good.” That is what God “requires.” This is because a heart tuned to God will naturally be a heart tuned to our neighbors. In the last part of verse 8 the prophet reveals what this heart looks like: “to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” To work to make things right, to be faithful in our relationships with God and with one another, to humbly allow God to transform us, day by day, more fully into God’s image. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we are much like the people of Micah’s day. Just tell me when I have to show up for church, just take my offering, just let me check the box. We want the easy. That leaves more for us. Yet you want so much more. Yes, worship and giving are important. But you want our heart, not our things. You want our unconditional love, not our passing attention. Lord, tune our hearts to yours. Lord, teach us what humility and justice and faithful love truly look like. Remind us of Jesus. Amen.


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Equipped

Reading: Romans 15:14-20

Romans 15:14 – “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.”

Photo credit: Shane

At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages the people in the church in Rome to be patient with and to build up one another. He encourages them to have the attitude of Christ and to welcome others as Jesus did. Paul wants to see their hope and joy overflow into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we turn to verse 14, Paul is reminding the church that it is not just the pastor’s job to grow the church and the faith of those in the church and wider community.

In verse 14 we read, “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.” They have been shaped and formed into people that are equipped to minister to one another and to the world. They are ready to shape and form one another and any new disciples. He is reminding them “of what you already knew.” If they are to call themselves “Christians” then they need to model Christ. They too are to witness to their faith in God just as Jesus did. Paul has also set for them an example of what good ministry looks like. Bringing others to faith and growing their faith has happened “by what I’ve said and what I’ve done.” Paul has both encouraged and challenged the church, both built them up and called them out. And now the Roman church has been equipped to do the same. These words apply to us as well. As followers of Jesus Christ we have been equipped to help others know Jesus and to help one another grow in our faith.

Modeling Jesus with our words and actions is easy sometimes. Sharing joy and hope and love is not hard. The challenge comes when we are called to speak or act in situations where injustice or sin or some other wrong is taking place. To lift God’s will and way to the forefront and to challenge others to walk in this way can be hard and it can be costly. To fail to speak or to act will cause harm. Trusting in God, in the example of Jesus, and in the guidance of the Spirit, may we choose sacrifice and service to others.

Prayer: Lord God, there are times when it is easy to be a faithful witness in word or in deed. Encourage us to do so! And we also find ourselves in times and places when the Holy Spirit calls us to hold others accountable to who and what you call us all to be. Encourage and empower us to love you and neighbor even when it is hard and risky. All to your glory! Amen.


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In the Name of…

Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

In chapter 3 of Colossians Paul is encouraging the church to clothe themselves with the attitudes and practices of Jesus Christ. Verse 12 reminds the church that they are “God’s choice, holy and loved.” This is quite the status to have! The apostle goes on, inviting the church to “put on” Christ’s attitudes: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These attitudes (and others Christ exemplified such as welcome, mercy, grace…) should be lived out in all of life, 24/7.

Paul then invites the church to be tolerant and forgiving. These are ‘response attitudes.’ When someone is different from you or sees things from another perspective or when someone hurts or harms you or someone you love, respond with tolerance and forgiveness. How countercultural this invitation is, especially in our world today! Our human instinct, our gut-level reaction is to ignore or ridicule or exclude those who are different, to get even with those who hurt us. These are selfish responses. Christ was not selfish.

As our human nature is to be selfish, Paul encourages the church to put love over all of these attitudes – see everything, speak every word, through the filter of love. From the framework of love, God’s peace will fill our hearts. Christ’s word and Spirit will dwell richly in us. And one last piece of encouragement: “Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is Paul’s early version of the modern slogan, WWJD? It is choosing to filter all that we say and do and even think through the example of Jesus, he who was love lived out. It is the place that we must begin if we are to do good and not harm in our world.

Prayer: Lord God, clothe us this day and every day in Christ. Clothes thusly, empower us to live our compassion, kindness… When life challenges us in our efforts to follow Jesus, when others seek to harm or negatively influence us, raise up the voice of the Holy Spirit. Call us back to the way of Jesus. Whisper tolerance, forgiveness, grace, acceptance, and understanding into our hearts. In all things, use us to reveal the love of Christ to the world. Amen.