pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: ministry


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The Gospel of Reconciliation

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 5:14-20

2nd Corinthians 5:18 – “God… reconciled us to himself through Christ and… gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Our passage today sums up the heart of Paul’s gospel of reconciliation. Through his life on earth, experiencing our sinfulness and his own death, Jesus can identify with us and with our struggles. And through his death and resurrection, Jesus transformed our reality. Through Jesus Christ we are made part of the “new creation.” In this new reality we live no longer for self but for Christ.

Paul recalls a time when Jesus was known by “human standards.” He was a good teacher, maybe even a prophet of God. He could do some amazing things – but so could Moses, Elijah, Elisha… But because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, believers know Jesus as God in the flesh. Through this understanding and through belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that person is part of the “new creation.” Being made new, the old self dies, along with its sins. In this way we are made new and are reconciled to God.

For Paul though, and really for all true followers, there is a recognition that one is not “done” once one professes faith in Christ. Instead, our salvation leads to this understanding: “God… reconciled us to himself through Christ and… gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” We, like Paul, become “ambassadors” who represent Christ, sharing our faith so that others can also experience salvation and new life. God continues building the kingdom here on earth, “negotiating” through us for the salvation of lost souls. May we ever be ministers of the gospel of reconciliation and salvation!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for the gift given by the one who bled and died for our sins, opening the way for mercy and grace and love to reconcile us back to you. May our gratitude for this gift be expressed in how we share it with others. 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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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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One in Christ

Reading: Philippians 1-2

Philippians 2:3 – “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As is his custom, Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with thanksgiving and prayer. He is “full of joy” because of the ministry in Philippi. Paul is sure that God will complete the work begun by these “partners in God’s grace.” Paul prays for their love and for their knowledge of Christ to grow. Then they will truly “filled with the fruit of righteousness.”

Paul then acknowledges that his hardships and imprisonment have actually advanced the gospel. Those in Rome are learning about Christ and others have become bolder in their proclamation of the gospel. Paul then expressed a longing to be with Christ. Yet, for their sake, he recognizes that it is more important for him to “stay in the world.” He can help them to joyfully grow in the faith. He challenges those in the church in Philippi to “live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” This will require them to stand firm, both in the face of hardship and suffering.

In chapter 2 Paul invites the church to imitate Christ. He invites them to be unified with Christ and with one another. He encourages them, saying, “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Paul then unpacks what this all looks like. Jesus “emptied himself” and he humbled himself by “becoming obedient to death.” Because of Jesus’ living faith, at his name one day all will bow and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Therefore, Paul says, be blameless and pure, trusting in God’s power to live out their own faith, shining “like stars” in this “crooked and corrupt” world. All of this is possible when they “hold onto the word of life,” Jesus Christ. May it be so for us this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, encourage our walk of faith and fill us with all joy. Lead and guide us to yield the fruit of righteousness as we share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. Make us one in Christ, one body created to humbly serve in love. Amen.


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From One Degree to the Next

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 1-3

2nd Corinthians 2:16 – “We smell like a contagious dead person to those who are dying, but we smell like the fountain of life to those who are being saved.”

Today we begin Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church. It was written about 18 months after his first letter, written on the heels of a humiliating personal experience in Corinth. Of his 13 letters, this is Paul’s most personal letter. He wants to reestablish his place of authority as an apostle and he wants to restore his relationship with the church.

Chapter 1 begins with a declaration that God is the God who comforts us. God does this so that we can comfort others. We share in Christ’s suffering too. Paul speaks of the troubles “far beyond our strength” that God rescued them from in Asia. Because of this rescue, Paul and his companions have set their hope on God.

Paul then speaks of their conduct. It has been with “godly sincerity and pure motives.” They desire for the Corinthians to more fully understand their own faith. Paul wants to visit again, but has delayed the visit. He did not want to visit when still so upset. In fact, he wrote in tears with an “anxious and troubled heart.” Even so, he asks the church in Corinth to forgive and comfort the one who humiliated Paul. He states that he is testing them with this request – “to see if you are obedient.”

Next Paul talks of his ministry. He notes that it is like “the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.” It goes before then and “We smell like a contagious dead person to those who are dying, but we smell like the fountain of life to those who are being saved.” This is a powerful thought and image. It begs the question: What does our life and ministry smell like to others?

Chapter 3 connects the church to Paul. They are the letters of Christ, the fruit of his ministry. Christ is written on their hearts by the Holy Spirit. They represent the new covenant, established by Jesus, sustained by the Spirit. Daily they are being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, “from one degree of glory to the next.” What a thought! May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we receive comfort and at times we give comfort. At times we suffer and this equips us to comfort others in their suffering. We daily seek to write Christ more and more upon our hearts, deepening our faith and hope. As we do so, God, transform us more and more into the image of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.


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To Change Hearts and Lives

Reading: Luke 4:14-5

Luke 5:32 – “I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

Jesus begins his public ministry teaching in the local synagogues. In his hometown of Nazareth he reads from the scroll of Isaiah. Jesus claims these words as the focus of his ministry. At first the audience is “raving” about Jesus but then someone asks, “This is Joseph’s son, isn’t it?” Jesus quotes a saying about prophets not being welcome in their hometown. He then reminds them of the story of the widow of Zarephath and of Naaman the Syrian. They are filled with anger. They do not want the Gentiles included in God’s plan.

Jesus travels to Capernaum and heals a man with a demon. News spreads. That evening he heals many, touching each. Crowds gather along the seashore. Jesus asks Simon to row out a bit so that he can teach. After he’s done teaching he asks Simon to row out and to drop the nets. A miraculous catch is followed by a sinner’s confession. Jesus tells Simon, “From now on you’ll be fishing for people.” Simon, along with James and John, leaves everything behind to follow Jesus.

After healing a man with a skin disease, again touching someone considered unclean by Jewish religion, Jesus has a public confrontation with the Pharisees and legal experts. In response to the faith shown by the friends lowering their paralyzed friend through the roof, Jesus says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The religious leaders mutter about this. Jesus asks them which is easier: to say your sins are forgiven or to say get up and walk? Proving his authority to forgive sins, Jesus heals the man, who picks up his cot and walks home.

Jesus then calls Levi the tax collector. Levi throws a banquet. The religious leaders question Jesus about eating with tax collectors and other known sinners. His reply: “I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.” Thanks be to God – Jesus came for you and for me!

Prayer: Lord God, your touch healed many and your words changed hearts and lives. Continue to speak into our hearts and lives each day. You also healed the wounds and separation caused by sin. Continue to heal us in this way, making us whole. Amen.


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Witness to the Light

Reading: John 1:6-8

Verse 7: “He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.”

The first half of this week’s gospel lesson focuses on John the Baptist’s ministry. We’ve been walking with John the Baptist these past two weeks. These readings have been primarily about the bigger picture and implications of his ministry. Today’s passage feels more personal and more relatable to our lives and ministry. Proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins out in the Judean wilderness feels like a lot for me and my life. Maybe the same is true for you.

We first read today that John was sent by God. This average person was called to fill a role, to play a part in God’s plan. While from the big picture perspective John’s ministry was amazing and powerful, in verse 7 we read, “He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.” To witness to the light so that others can come to know Jesus, to believe in him – this sounds and feels like a role that we could all live out.

John the Baptist was not the light. That is Jesus. John wasn’t pointing to himself. He was pointing to Jesus. John always kept the focus on Jesus and on helping others to be ready to receive Jesus. This feels like something that we can do day in and day out. Also being sent by God may you and I witness to the light of the world through the words we speak and through the actions of our hands and feet.

Prayer: Lord God, in this version and in this way, it feels possible to live out our faith in ways that point others to Jesus. Empower us to be witnesses to the light of Christ so that those living outside of a relationship with Jesus may be drawn towards him. Amen.


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The Saints!

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

Verse 10: “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.”

Today is All-Saints’ Day. This church holiday focuses on both the saints who have gone onto heaven and upon the saints who are still serving Jesus Christ here and now. Those who we can call “saints” run a wide gamut – from people like Mother Teresa and MLK, Jr., to people like your 3rd grade Sunday School teacher. There are a great many more saints that fall into the second category.

In our passage today Paul is writing to the church. He is talking about his ministry among them, not as a way to brag but as a way to remind and encourage. This is why we celebrate today’s holiday too. Paul begins by reminding them and us of the toil and hardship inherent in ministry. Ministering to others certainly has moments that are difficult and challenging. Next Paul unpacks the traits or characteristics of a minister of the gospel. It begins with how one conducts oneself: holy, righteous, blameless. He then moves onto the actions needed: encouraging, comforting, and urging the believers to “live a life worthy of the gospel.” This is, of course, circling back around to holy, righteous, and blameless. For Paul and for all other saints past and present, this life of faith is built upon the word of God. A close, personal, intimate relationship with God is the starting point for all believers, saints included.

On this All-Saints’ Day remember the saints who shaped and formed and walked with you in faith. Remember those who are living saints, still guiding you on your journey of faith. Bring your praise and thanksgiving to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the many saints that have blessed my life and encouraged my faith. Some led by example long before I was born. Others have poured into me in my youth and have passed on to glory. And others still lead and guide and walk with me in adulthood. We are a community, connected together with you and with one another, all for the building of the kingdom of God. Praise be to God! Amen.


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Love Lived Out

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:1-8

Verse 8: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica is the focus of today’s passage. Paul, Silas, and Timothy preached the good news of Jesus Christ “with the help of our God.” In spite of opposition they spoke boldly. While the fruit of their faithfulness was converts to Christ, Paul clearly states that their ministry was offered to please God alone. And in order to best minister there, in order not to be a “burden,” Paul’s habit was to find work in each community, allowing him to care for them in the best way possible.

While we may feel like we live in a much different time than Paul and company lived, the principles and practices shared in today’s passage are very relevant to our faith and to our witness. Paul’s primary focus was to share Jesus. All he did and said and thought was aimed at this focus. Do we use all that we are and all that we have to share the good news? They spoke boldly, not fearing whatever opposition that may come. Do we speak boldly of our faith or do we worry more about what others might think or say about us? Do we allow the “cost” to sway how we go about witnessing to our faith?

And, perhaps most importantly today, are we “gentle” and caring with all of those that we encounter and engage? In a world that often sees Christianity in a negative light, do our words and actions always help people to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ? Do those we witness to feel that we are doing our “job” or do they feel what people felt when they met Paul or Jesus – our desire to be in relationship, to share our lives as well?

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly be your love lived out today. When others look at us, when they talk with us, when they spend time with us, may they feel like they have been in your presence. Guide us, Lord, to be gentle and kind with all we meet. And empower us to be bold in our sharing of the good news. In all of these things may others come to know your love and our love. Amen.


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Outside the Norms

Reading: Matthew 11:16-19

Verse 17: “We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.”

In today’s passage Jesus is concluding his response to John the Baptist’s inquiry about whether or not Jesus is the one, the Messiah. After speaking of their prophetic ministries in verses 4-11 he turns both to John and to the general audience and asks, “To what can I compare this generation?” In his answer to this question Jesus quotes a song sung in the market by children: “We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.”

Jesus’ ministry was one of welcome and hospitality, of engaging those who needed his saving love. Yes, Jesus taught in the temple and synagogues. But he also touched lepers and blind men and the lame, sending them away singing for joy. He ate with tax collectors and other ‘sinners,’ sharing the love of God in what we might call “low places.” John the Baptist preached repentance from sins and, yes, offered baptism as a sign of a changed life. He fasted and ate honey and wild locusts and lived out in the wilderness. Both John and Jesus ministered in ways far outside the norms.

Jesus’ ministry of love and joy, of welcome and acceptance, was likened to the flute played at weddings. Many in his generation refused to dance along with Jesus. John’s ministry was challenging and hard, calling people to look within, much like we do at funerals. This same generation refused to sing along with John’s call to holy and devout living. Jesus was dismissed as a “glutton and drunkard” while John was dismissed as one possessed by a “demon.”

Today in our generation people reject Jesus, God, faith… We too are called outside the walls of the church, outside the social and religious norms, and into the places that John Wesley called “vile” – all to find opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need. In faith and trust may we too go forth to share the love of Christ with the least, the lost, and the lonely. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, drive us outside of the comfortable and the easy. Lead us to the questionable places and people, bringing with us a song of faith and hope and joy and love. Give us the strength to enter those hard places – places of loss, grief, change – in order to bring new life. Use us today, O Lord. Amen.