Message Title: Is It Contagious?
Theme: TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY
Season: Epiphany
Main Text: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2;
Scripture Reading: All
RCL Scripture: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36
Focus: Paul connects Moses’ transfiguration with our faith transformation.
Function: to open ourselves up to the transformation possibilities brought from a relationship with God through spiritual disciplines.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING:

Exodus 34:29-35 ²⁹ Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two covenant tablets in his hand, Moses didn’t realize that the skin of his face shone brightly because he had been talking with God. ³⁰ When Aaron and all the Israelites saw the skin of Moses’ face shining brightly, they were afraid to come near him. ³¹ But Moses called them closer. So Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and Moses spoke with them. ³² After that, all the Israelites came near as well, and Moses commanded them everything that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. ³³ When Moses finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. ³⁴ Whenever Moses went into the Lord’s presence to speak with him, Moses would take the veil off until he came out again. When Moses came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, ³⁵ the Israelites would see that the skin of Moses’ face was shining brightly. So Moses would put the veil on his face again until the next time he went in to speak with the Lord.

Psalm 99 The Lord rules—the nations shake! He sits enthroned on the winged heavenly creatures—the earth quakes! ² The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. ³ Let them thank your great and awesome name. He is holy! ⁴ Strong king^[a] who loves justice, you are the one who established what is fair. You worked justice and righteousness in Jacob. ⁵ Magnify the Lord, our God! Bow low at his footstool! He is holy! ⁶ Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel too among those who called on his name. They cried out to the Lord, and he himself answered them— ⁷he spoke to them from a pillar of cloud. They kept the laws and the rules God gave to them. ⁸ Lord our God, you answered them. To them you were a God who forgives but also the one who avenged their wrong deeds. ⁹ Magnify the Lord our God! Bow low at his holy mountain because the Lord our God is holy!

Luke 9:28-36 ²⁸ About eight days after Jesus said these things, he took Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. ²⁹ As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes flashed white like lightning. ³⁰ Two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him. ³¹ They were clothed with heavenly splendor and spoke about Jesus’ departure, which he would achieve in Jerusalem. ³² Peter and those with him were almost overcome by sleep, but they managed to stay awake and saw his glory as well as the two men with him. ³³ As the two men were about to leave Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it’s good that we’re here. We should construct three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—but he didn’t know what he was saying. ³⁴ Peter was still speaking when a cloud overshadowed them. As they entered the cloud, they were overcome with awe. ³⁵ Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him!” ³⁶ Even as the voice spoke, Jesus was found alone. They were speechless and at the time told no one what they had seen.

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What are your favorite compliments to receive? Or how do you like to receive them?
2. Art Project in a High School- You’re beautiful- Video
   1. Notice how their faced lit up? They were transformed by a simple kind word.

TRANSITION: Words are powerful tools. They can transform a situation from cold to warm. Words can build people up or they can tear them down.

1. The last 6 weeks we have been in 1 Corinthians learning about how to be the church from Paul’s instructions to the Christians in Corinth.
2. Today is Transfiguration Sunday and the “normal” thing to do is read the story of Jesus’ transfiguration and focus on that. Instead, I’d like to tie all our readings together.
3. How will these words transform us?

MAIN TEXT: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 ¹² So, since we have such a hope, we act with great confidence. ¹³ We aren’t like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the Israelites couldn’t watch the end of what was fading away. ¹⁴ But their minds were closed. Right up to the present day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. The veil is not removed because it is taken away by Christ. ¹⁵ Even today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever someone turns back to the Lord, the veil is removed. ¹⁷ The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Lord’s Spirit is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ All of us are looking with unveiled faces at the glory of the Lord as if we were looking in a mirror. We are being transformed into that same image from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit….4 This is why we don’t get discouraged, given that we received this ministry in the same way that we received God’s mercy. ² Instead, we reject secrecy and shameful actions. We don’t use deception, and we don’t tamper with God’s word. Instead, we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God by the public announcement of the truth.

EXPLAINATION:

1. CORINTHIANS: Vs 13- I’m unsure why Paul decides to paint Moses in a negative light in this passage. Paul makes it sound like Moses was embarrassed by his transformation. We can call this a reinterpretation of Exodus 34.
2. EXODUS: Moses covers his face because everyone else is freaked out that he’s glowing. Moses’ spent time with God and he was changed physically. This scared the Israelites so much they said “God will be our God and we will be His people; but we don’t want to deal with Him directly. You be our mediator. … we don’t wanna look freaky like you because we might die.” (paraphrased)
   1. PSALM:  No wonder they were freaked out, we look at the words in Psalm 99 and see that being in God’s presence is intimidating.
3. LUKE:  It doesn’t surprise me that the disciples behave like others that have gone before them. The are in awe (and maybe a little scared) when Jesus transfigures before them. His glory is revealed, they see Moses and Elijah and hear a voice confirming that this is the Messiah that Yahweh has promised. 

INTERPRETATION:

1. Since creation, God has wanted a direct relationship with creation. And since the beginning, humans have continued to put a barrier up between us and God.
   1. We’ve feared God.
   2. We’ve doubted God.
   3. We’ve judged God.
   4. We’ve decided we know better than God.
2. Yet, God continues to call us to a relationship. But the scary thing is, this relationship will change us.
   1. No, likely you won’t literally glow like Moses did. But as we step into a consistent relationship with God, we will be transformed.

APPLICATION:

1. The transformation process is not for the faint of heart. We will no longer fit in with the standards of this world. Things like war, money, power, or politics lose their taste when we are growing in God’s Spirit.
   1. Instead of our own self-gains, we will be looking to care for all of creation. We will see each face as a beloved child of God rather than opposition.
2. How do we grow in a deeper relationship with God? What leads to our transformation?
   1. Answer: Spiritual Disciplines– a fancy way of saying, finding unique and set aside time for your spiritual development.
3. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT:  List off some spiritual disciplines
   1. Is this a struggle for you?
   2. Lists from online sources:
      1. https://groundworkonline.com/blog/what-are-spiritual-disciplines
         1. Why Practice Spiritual Disciplines, Titus 2;11-15 & 1 Timothy 4:7-8
         2. Prayer & Fasting, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
         3. Simplicity & Submission, Philippians 4:10-13, Matthew 6:19-33
         4. Silence & Solitude, Luke 5:15-16 & 1 Kings 19:11-13
         5. Service & Giving, Matthew 6:19-21 & Matthew 25:14-30
         6. Scripture: Study, Memorization, Contemplation & Meditation, Psalm 119
      2. Wiki:
         1. prayer, fasting, reading through the Christian Bible along with a daily devotional, frequent church attendance, constant partaking of the sacraments, such as the Eucharist, careful observance of the Lord’s Day (cf. Sunday Sabbatarianism), making a Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land, visiting and praying at a church, offering daily prayer at one’s home altar while kneeling at a prie-dieu, making a Spiritual Communion, Christian monasticism, Bible study, chanting, the use of prayer beads, mortification of the flesh, Christian meditation or contemplative prayer, almsgiving, blessing oneself at their home stoup daily, observing modest fashion, reconciliation, and Lectio Divina.
         2. chastity, confession, fasting, fellowship, frugality, giving, guidance, hospitality, humility, intimacy, meditation, prayer, Quiet Time, reflection, self-control, servanthood, service, simplicity, singing, slowing, solitude, study, submission, surrender, teaching, and worship.
4. Book recommendation: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
   1. Topical Parts
      1. Worship
      2. Open Myself to God
      3. Relinquish the False self
      4. Share My life with Others
      5. Hear God’s Word
      6. Incarnate the Love of Christ
      7. Pray
   2. Chapters Include
      1. Chart
         1. Desire
         2. Definition
         3. Scripture
         4. Practice includes
         5. God-Given Fruit
      1. Description, Reflection Questions, and Spiritual Exercises

CONCLUSION:  The Transfiguration of Christ revealed his divinity to his disciples. Moses’ transformation came from time with God. We are children of the divine, as we spend time with God, our spirit will be transformed like Moses and like Jesus.

PRAYER by Rev. Alex Smith

Moment of Silence during service included poem:

“I No Longer Pray For Peace”

By Ann Weems

On the edge of war, one foot already in,

I no longer pray for peace:

I pray for miracles.

I pray that stone hearts will turn

to tenderheartedness,

and evil intentions will turn

to mercifulness,

and all the soldiers already deployed

will be snatched out of harm’s way,

and the whole world will be

astounded onto its knees.

I pray that all the “God talk”

will take bones,

and stand up and shed

its cloak of faithlessness,

and walk again in its powerful truth.

I pray that the whole world might

sit down together and share

its bread and its wine.

Some say there is no hope,

but then I’ve always applauded the holy fools

who never seem to give up on

the scandalousness of our faith:

that we are loved by God……

that we can truly love one another.

I no longer pray for peace:

I pray for miracles.

Message Title: It’s Alive!
Theme: “Here Is the Church” 1 Corinthians series
Season: Epiphany
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50;
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:27-38
RCL Scripture: Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50; Luke 6:27-38
Focus: Paul speaks of the resurrection of our bodies.
Function: To allow questions to remain unanswered while being filled with a focus on our commission.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 6:27-38 “But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone takes your coat, don’t withhold your shirt either. Give to everyone who asks and don’t demand your things back from those who take them. Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you. “If you love those who love you, why should you be commended? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, why should you be commended? Even sinners do that. If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, why should you be commended? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be paid back in full. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people. Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. “Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”

INTRO: Gifts at Funerals

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What are typical ways we care for a grieving family when you know someone who has lost a loved one?
2. I’m unsure where the tradition started that at funerals we provide “gifts” such as flowers, casseroles, words, or memoriam.
   1. Personal story of people trying to give the gift of words: My dad grew up in California and did not experience a funeral with memoriam gifts until moving to South Dakota. We were, however, very accustomed to the gift of words people would provide at a funeral.
      1. One of my favorite people on the planet was my Uncle Stephen, my dad’s little brother. He had Down Syndrome and was nonverbal but we had a special connection. He lived most of his life in Texas but the last few years, he lived in South Dakota and we got to see him regularly.
      2. Stephen lived a longer than average life for folks with his condition.  His life was a wonderful one but when he died of complications with pneumonia, there were people who tried to comfort us in his death by saying “Aren’t you glad he isn’t retarded anymore?”
      3. Now this phrase was problem to me for more than one reason, but we’ll talk about that later.  
3. When we come to a funeral with the goal of making the grieved feel better, we’re guaranteed to make a jerk out of ourselves…. Or even sometimes make a jerk of God, i.e. “God needed an angel.”

TRANSITION:  When it comes to grief, perhaps the best gift we can offer is presence- our time, our hugs, maybe coming to do laundry, dishes, or provide a meal while they grieve. (Honestly, this is the best stuff you can do for new parents too.)

In our text today, Paul is providing words for the Corinthians about their fears connected to death. A conversation that doesn’t end in this letter but continues on in 2^nd Corinthians too. Will the Corinthians find comfort in Paul’s words or will they feel like the words at my uncle’s funeral?

MAIN TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50;

Vs 35-38, 42-44 ³⁵ But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have when they come back?” ³⁶ Look, fool! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t come back to life unless it dies. ³⁷ What you put in the ground doesn’t have the shape that it will have, but it’s a bare grain of wheat or some other seed. ³⁸ God gives it the sort of shape that he chooses, and he gives each of the seeds its own shape. …⁴² It’s the same with the resurrection of the dead: a rotting body is put into the ground, but what is raised won’t ever decay. ⁴³ It’s degraded when it’s put into the ground, but it’s raised in glory. It’s weak when it’s put into the ground, but it’s raised in power. ⁴⁴ It’s a physical body when it’s put into the ground, but it’s raised as a spiritual body. If there’s a physical body, there’s also a spiritual body.

1. Resurrection questions: The topic of resurrection was constantly on the forefront for believers of Paul’s day. To the point where some Christians actually stopped working just waiting for Christ’s return. Others pondered, studied, and debated the details of the resurrection. It’s no surprise that the Corinthians wanted more details.
   1. Continuing conversation:
      1. 2 Cor 4 & 5 briefly touch on this again
      2. He also talks to the Thessalonians, Philippians, & Romans about this (Romans 6:5; 1 Thess 4:13-18, Philippians 3:10-11)
2. Seed analogy: while Paul doesn’t go into great details, he does use the analogy of a seed to describe the change we will experience through resurrection.

Vs 45-50 ⁴⁵ So it is also written, The first human, Adam, became a living person,^[e] and the last Adam became a spirit that gives life. ⁴⁶ But the physical body comes first, not the spiritual one—the spiritual body comes afterward. ⁴⁷ The first human was from the earth made from dust; the second human is from heaven. ⁴⁸ The nature of the person made of dust is shared by people who are made of dust, and the nature of the heavenly person is shared by heavenly people. ⁴⁹ We will look like^[f] the heavenly person in the same way as we have looked like the person made from dust. ⁵⁰ This is what I’m saying, brothers and sisters: Flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s kingdom. Something that rots can’t inherit something that doesn’t decay. 

1. First Adam vs Second Adam (Jesus) – In Genesis 3 everything changes for Adam & Eve. They choose their own path rather than God’s wisdom.This lead to division from God, a separation of physical and spiritual.
   1. Image of Eve & Mary—God sent God’s self through Jesus to heal the human condition.
   2. Fully Human & Fully God: Jesus was human to heal the human condition. Jesus was God because only God could be perfect under the Law.
2. Our Transformation through Christ: Paul highlights that through faith in Christ, something changes.
   1. Christians disagree exactly on the details of this change:
      1. Some believe that humans were made sinful (original sin or total depravity) and God *transforms* us treasure through Jesus.
      2. Others believe that humans were made holy—in God’s image—and our choices separated us from our holiness. Christ *restores* our connection to our holy identity.
      3. Good news- theology doesn’t save us, belief in Jesus saves us…  the details are up to God.

INTERPRETATION:

1. This section of chapter 15 feels the most relatable to me. Yes, I realize there have been very practical lessons thus far. BUT Paul is connecting with the Corinthians on their BAZILLION questions. And if we’re honest, Paul doesn’t clear much up for us here.
   1. I still have so many questions! (Gif)
2. Much like the answer to Jesus’ crucifixion, Christians have made a bunch of theories about how and when Christ will return, what the resurrection will look like and for who.
   1. Eschatology- is a part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. This concept is commonly referred to as “the end of the world” or “end times” (Wiki)
      1. Comes from eschatos, a word for the end.
   2. Christians have a ton of end times theories.
      1. You may have heard buzz words in Christian circles like: rapture, pre trib, post trib, amillenial, etc.
      2. Some things to note: Not every Christian group believes in a rapture BUT all Christians believe in a resurrection.
      3. Believing in “right” theology doesn’t save us, belief in Jesus saves us.
   3. Throughout this chapter, Paul highlights that the resurrection is not simply a spiritual transformation but a resurrection of body & spirit. Every part of us will be transformed by God.

APPLICATION/RESPONSE/SO WHAT?: To allow questions to remain unanswered while being filled with a focus on our commission.

1. personal story: Back to Uncle Stephen & Grandma Billie
   1. Personal Story: I have to admit any time I hear about resurrected bodies I think of my Grandma Billie. Grandma Billie repeatedly said she would be tall in heaven. It reminds me of the words of “comfort” we received at my uncle’s funeral. My grandmother and that person both focused on physical flaws from a human/earthly perspective.
      1. BUT what if our resurrected bodies are transformed not to remove our flaws like a photoshop brush but to enable us to better connect with community and with God?
      2. What if my uncle still has down syndrome BUT now he can communicate clearly with others AND others pay attention?!
      3. What if my grandmother found peace in her 4’ 10 3/4” body? What if she didn’t feel limited because of her height?
      4. What if a person’s social anxiety is removed rather than whatever flaw they see when they look in the mirror?
2. Jesus’ (transfiguration &) resurrection in the Gospel accounts tells us that some kind of transformation will happen that could lead to us being unrecognizable. After all, Mary Magdalene thought Jesus was the gardener when she went to visit the tomb. It wasn’t until he spoke her name that she saw him clearly.
   1. I may not be able to tell you that you will be tall in eternity BUT I can say you will be transformed, still yourself but more fully you than you’ve ever been before.
3. I know that it would be convenient for Paul’s words to be crystal clear about what to expect. However, the resurrection is full of mystery. We don’t know when it will happen. We don’t know exactly the details of what will happen.
   1. BUT we know that God is good. We know that God plans to conquer evil. We know that God wants the best for creation.
4. how does the promised resurrection impact us today?
   1. Silly Joke: Be kind to everyone, you don’t know who will be your neighbor in eternity.
   2. The end details are a mystery, however we have a clear mission for the present.
      1. Matthew 28:18-20 ¹⁸ Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
      2. Acts 1:7-8 ⁷ Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

CONCLUSION: We are called to witness to the world about Jesus. Witness in our words, our actions, and our love. We wait for the return of Christ and the resurrection of all. Until then, let’s stick to the job God has for us.

Message Title: Memories of Hope
Theme: “Here Is the Church” 1 Corinthians series
Season: Epiphany
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20;
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:17-26
RCL Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26
Focus: Paul connects the Gospel message with the Christian hope of resurrection.
Function: To return the focus of our hope on the resurrection.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 6:17-26 ¹⁷ Jesus came down from the mountain with them and stood on a large area of level ground. A great company of his disciples and a huge crowd of people from all around Judea and Jerusalem and the area around Tyre and Sidon joined him there. ¹⁸ They came to hear him and to be healed from their diseases, and those bothered by unclean spirits were healed. ¹⁹ The whole crowd wanted to touch him, because power was going out from him and he was healing everyone. ²⁰ Jesus raised his eyes to his disciples and said: “Happy are you who are poor, because God’s kingdom is yours. ²¹Happy are you who hunger now, because you will be satisfied. Happy are you who weep now, because you will laugh. ²² Happy are you when people hate you, reject you, insult you, and condemn your name as evil because of the Human One.^[b] 23 Rejoice when that happens! Leap for joy because you have a great reward in heaven. Their ancestors did the same things to the prophets. ²⁴ But how terrible for you who are rich, because you have already received your comfort. ²⁵ How terrible for you who have plenty now, because you will be hungry. How terrible for you who laugh now, because you will mourn and weep. ²⁶ How terrible for you when all speak well of you. Their ancestors did the same things to the false prophets.

INTRODUCTION: GIFTS

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: have you ever left a gift at a loved one’s grave or a special place that reminds you of that deceased loved one?
   1. How did that action help you?
2. I did not grow up in a family that celebrated Memorial Day in the traditional sense of visiting a loved one’s grave and giving of flowers or mementos. I remember my mom being adamant “They’re not there anymore, they’re with Jesus.” However, my adolescent mind always wondered what the experience would feel like because of the movies.

TRANSITION: In our text for today, Paul continues the conversation about the Gospel with why the Gospel matters to us. He connects Jesus’ death and resurrection with our Christian Hope. Let’s hunt for hope together.

MAIN TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 ¹²So if the message that is preached says that Christ has been raised from the dead, then how can some of you say, “There’s no resurrection of the dead”? ¹³If there’s no resurrection of the dead, then Christ hasn’t been raised either. ¹⁴If Christ hasn’t been raised, then our preaching is useless and your faith is useless. ¹⁵We are found to be false witnesses about God, because we testified against God that he raised Christ, when he didn’t raise him if it’s the case that the dead aren’t raised. ¹⁶If the dead aren’t raised, then Christ hasn’t been raised either. ¹⁷If Christ hasn’t been raised, then your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins, ¹⁸and what’s more, those who have died in Christ are gone forever. ¹⁹If we have a hope in Christ only in this life, then we deserve to be pitied more than anyone else. ²⁰But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead. He’s the first crop of the harvestof those who have died.

EXPLAINATION: Paul connects the Gospel message with the Christian hope of resurrection.

1. Recap from last week:
   1. The Gospel Message—Belief in Jesus is the only thing
2. Why does Jesus’ story matter?
   1. Paul says, if we believe Jesus died and resurrected, then we all have resurrection through him.
   2. Resurrection is key to the Gospel—we have nothing to believe in if Jesus didn’t resurrect.
3. Resurrection points to our forever hope.
   1. We too, though we die, will live again.

INTERPRETATION: Paul connects the Gospel message with the Christian hope of resurrection.

1. The Gospel is our hope.
   1. In Bible study this week we briefly talked about Atonement theories—these are Christian theories answering the question “Why did Jesus die on the cross?”
      1. Christians across denominations don’t agree on the answer to this question- 7 theories.
      2. The importance isn’t about the details of these theories because theology doesn’t save us, belief in Jesus saves us. Also, differences in theology doesn’t condemn us.
   2. Without choosing a specific atonement theory, we know that Jesus died and that opened a door for our eternal hope.
2. Our faith in Christ isn’t just about death, it’s about resurrection. After death, we have hope. Even after death there will be life.
   1. Our faith isn’t about dying and going to heaven.
   2. Our faith is about receiving the same resurrection as Christ and living again.
3. Christians have had a habit of weaving our hope up in death and heaven while forgetting resurrection. We’ve lost sight of the long-term goal of resurrection and focused on the short-term comfort of heaven. Death feels like comfort because we know our loved ones are with Jesus.
   1. We see this demonstrated in the gospels as Jesus promised the thief on the cross “Today, you’ll be with me in paradise.”  (This story is in Luke 23.)
      1. This man wasn’t baptized, wasn’t part of a church, didn’t go to Sunday school or receive communion. He didn’t even pray a sinner’s prayer—technically he didn’t even repent. He acknowledged his punishment was just in correlation with his actions but didn’t say that he regretted his actions.
      2. This man was promised paradise.
4. Christ didn’t die so that we could all die and go to heaven. Christ lived so that we could live.

APPLICATION/RESPONSE/SO WHAT: To return the focus of our hope on the resurrection.

1. Resurrection points to the value of caring for the physical. Christ isn’t just healing spirits but bodies too.
   1. However, we have at times hyper focused on healing spirits—it seems like a ticking time bomb “save them before they die” but their healing isn’t coming before death… their healing includes death. The physical his healed along with the spiritual.
   2. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: identify physical and spiritual ministries
2. RETURN TO OPENING: As an adult, I have changed my tune, sort of. My husband and I visit his grandfather’s and aunt’s graves on Memorial Day and leave a flower. But the act is more for us than for those who are gone. We actively remember them through this action. We take time to call them to the front of our mind and for Josh specifically to share stories.
   1. Though I don’t have graves to visit, I like to take time to remember my grandparents through photos and storytelling.
   2. Memories of them sometimes hurt—because I miss them so—but they also remind me that I’ll see them again. Not just in heaven but when we are all resurrected.

CONCLUSION: Next week we will talk more about resurrection as the people in Corinth had many questions… much like us. Feel free to read the remaining of Ch 15 in preparation for next week as we wrap up 6 wks in 1 Corinthians.

Until next week. Find peace in knowing that belief in Christ is the only requirement for a ticket to the resurrection. No other action or belief is necessary. For Jesus said: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (End of Matt 11)

Message Title: (titled post-preaching) Our Response to The Gift
Theme: “Here Is the Church” 1 Corinthians series
Season: Epiphany
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11;
Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11
RCL Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13); Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11
Focus: Paul reclarifies the Gospel to the Corinthians.
Function: To respond to the Gospel with awe and worship rather than a “try harder” attitude.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 5:1-11 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,^[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. ² He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. ³ He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. ⁴ When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” ⁵ Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” ⁶ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. ⁷ So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. ⁸ When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” ⁹ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, ¹⁰ and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” ¹¹ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

INTRODUCTION: Gifts

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: How would you describe love? – Is your definition different depending on the relationship? (Couple, Parents/Kids, Food, Possession?)
   1. Emotion, action, & choice
   2. Bond, connection, commitment
2. PG 13 question: When you think of expressing love to your partner—how do you feel about the term “making love”? I know of a couple that hate this terminology because it sells short the word love, leaving it only as a physical act. Others, prefer this phrase because it reminds us of the importance of intimacy in the foundation of a romantic relationship.

TRANSITION:  Last week we talked about Love and how Love should impact the way we use our gifts and interact with this world. Paul defined love through the Divine example of God’s love. Now, we are hoping forward a chapter to 15 to review the story of the Gospel – AKA God’s love story with creation. Let’s see how Paul tells the story.

MAIN TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. ²By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. ³For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵and that he appeared to Cephas,and then to the Twelve. ⁶After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, ⁸and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. ⁹For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. ¹¹Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

EXPLAINATION:

1. Recap Ch 13
   1. Our gifts are pointless if we don’t do them in love.
2. Back up to Ch 14 for a minute
   1. Orderly conduct of worship
      1. Tongues
      2. Wives saving your questions for home (Men are expected to educate their wives, there was no educational system for women at that time, so men were expected to share that information with their wives rather than leaving them clueless… that way the conversations in church could be productive. This is actually about empowerment and calling men out for not educating their wives which lead to disrupting the congregational worship)
      3. Also, women are celebrated as leaders & teachers in other of Paul’s letters
   2. Remember: This letter is to get the Corinthians back on track. They’ve been divided for a variety of reasons- we talked about the wealth gap. CH 12-14 talk about the gift gap and how unity and order should be part of worship & function of the church.
3. NOW Paul is highlighting the Gospel message—don’t forget the basics of the gospel.
   1. Think of this as a skeleton and everything else is meat, tendons, organs etc. Without the skeleton, the body would have no structure to exist within.
   2. The Gospel provides us the structure to shape the rest of our lives around.

INTERPRETATION:

1. Paul is simplifying the Gospel. He is clarifying the basics so no one can add to it. (Remember the Judaizers trying to add Moses’ Law and circumcision?)
2. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Paul’s Gospel- Reader’s Digest: Pinpoint details of the gospel in passage together
   1. VS 3-8
      1. Jesus’ death and resurrection
         1. For our sins
         2. Based on scripture
      2. Proof through appearances to: Cephas, 12, 500+, James, all apostles, Paul
      3. Vs 2 By this Gospel, you are saved
   1. Does it feel comfortable to leave the Gospel at these points? Are you compelled to add more details?
   1. What does Paul not specify that we consider Christianity?
      1. Stuff from the Janizaries:
         1. Circumcision
         2. Practicing the Law
      2. Regular worship practices
         1. Communion
         2. Baptism
         3. Tithes/offerings
         4. Sunday School/Bible study
      3. Current Cultural stuff:
         1. Thoughts on politics or social issues
         2. A specific version of the Bible

APPLICATION/RESPONSE:

1. Connect to Scripture reading: Luke 5:1-11
   1. “Because you said so…”
   1. they left everything….
      1. $$, good catch, safety/consistency, security, family business
   1. They responded with awe & curiosity for more
2. Worship God in the story of the Gospel
   1. How do you react when you hear the Good News?
      1. My natural response is “thank you”
   1. Can I let you in on a pastor conversation? Sometimes we talk about writing sermons and the struggles together—many pastors struggle to take a passage and make it into a practical step for a few reasons.
      1. Christianity isn’t about trying harder. We don’t need to add anything to the Gospel. It is complete as Christ delivered it and Paul rephrased it.
      1. Christianity is a response to the gift of life in Jesus. Our lives are a response to God’s gift.
         1. Do you know how to follow Jesus in your daily life? (WP)
         1. How have you been handing down the gospel to others as Paul and the early Christians passed it on to us? (Jerrod)

COMMUNION

CONCLUSION

Message Title:  All You Need is Love
Theme: “Here Is the Church” 1 Corinthians series
Season: Epiphany
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13;
Scripture Reading: Luke 4:21-30
RCL Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30
Focus: Paul instructs the Corinthians to use their gifts through LOVE.
Function:  To filter our thoughts and actions through God’s love.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 4:21-30 ²¹ He began to explain to them, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it.” ²² Everyone was raving about Jesus, so impressed were they by the gracious words flowing from his lips. They said, “This is Joseph’s son, isn’t it?” ²³ Then Jesus said to them, “Undoubtedly, you will quote this saying to me: ‘Doctor, heal yourself. Do here in your hometown what we’ve heard you did in Capernaum.’” ²⁴ He said, “I assure you that no prophet is welcome in the prophet’s hometown. ²⁵ And I can assure you that there were many widows in Israel during Elijah’s time, when it didn’t rain for three and a half years and there was a great food shortage in the land. ²⁶ Yet Elijah was sent to none of them but only to a widow in the city of Zarephath in the region of Sidon. ²⁷ There were also many persons with skin diseases in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, but none of them were cleansed. Instead, Naaman the Syrian was cleansed.” ²⁸ When they heard this, everyone in the synagogue was filled with anger. ²⁹ They rose up and ran him out of town. They led him to the crest of the hill on which their town had been built so that they could throw him off the cliff. ³⁰ But he passed through the crowd and went on his way.

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What is your favorite valentine’s day treat?
   1. What is your favorite way to say “I love you”?
   2. Tiktok – “Women don’t want chocolate for valentine’s day they want….”
2. It’s important to know how to communicate love to your friends, family, and romantic partners.
   1. Tiktok- Love languages— “I’m gonna need you to say thank you….”
   2. Love languages- Gifts, Touch, Service, Words, Time

TRANSITION:  Communicating love, especially in the way people hear, is extremely important. In our text for today, Paul is going to link our Spiritual Gifts with Love. Could Love change the way a gift is used?

As we read, consider: Why is love significant? What does it look like?

MAIN TEXT: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 If I speak in tongues of human beings and of angels but I don’t have love, I’m a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and I know all the mysteries and everything else, and if I have such complete faith that I can move mountains but I don’t have love, I’m nothing. ³ If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I’ve done but I don’t have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever. ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, ⁵ it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, ⁶ it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. ⁷ Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never fails. As for prophecies, they will be brought to an end. As for tongues, they will stop. As for knowledge, it will be brought to an end. ⁹ We know in part and we prophesy in part; ¹⁰ but when the perfect comes, what is partial will be brought to an end. ¹¹ When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, reason like a child, think like a child. But now that I have become a man, I’ve put an end to childish things. ¹² Now we see a reflection in a mirror; then we will see face-to-face. Now I know partially, but then I will know completely in the same way that I have been completely known. ¹³ Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love.

EXPLAINATION:

1. 1 Corinthians 13 is frequently paired with wedding talk. It is no surprise since 1 Cor 13 is full of talk about love.
   1. But What’s Love Got to Do with It? … I know I’m funny…. Why does Paul wedge in a conversation about love around the topic of gifts and the operation of the church?
   2. This love isn’t about romance. This love is the Divine form: full, strong, and powerful.
2. Paul shifts the conversations from gifts and unity to an attitude that should be carried while using those gifts.
   1. Paul makes it very clear that gifts mean nothing if we don’t have love.
3. Paul then get’s super specific about what Love is, so that no one gets confused.
   1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Let’s list of the do’s and don’ts of love. Focus on vs 4-7

INTERPRETATION:

1. SAUL MISSED LOVE: These words are rich coming from Paul—the man who was so obsessed with the Torah that he completely missed the point.
   1. Saul of Tarsus was Pharisee trained under one of the best rabbis: Rabbi Gamaliel. But his zeal for the law made him hyper focused on his own righteousness and the condemnation of others.
      1. We learn from the book of Acts that Saul stood by holding coats while the disciple Stephen was stoned to death.
      2. His conversion story in Acts 9 starts with him marching on the Damascus Road, holding a decree that enabled him to execute blasphemers. He was so convinced that his perspective of God’s word was right that he was willing to kill others to prove his point.
2. Youth Group Lesson: As a youth pastor, I would lead group activities or competitions: beach volley ball, eating contests, dodgeball, human hungry hippos. kickball, etc. Frequently. I was called in to referee a disagreement over a particular rule.
   1. Was the ball in-bounds (and gave the other team a point) or out of bounds (and it’s time to switch sides)?
   2. Does catching the ball after it bounces off the wall mean the runner is out?
   3. Can you use your elbows to hold extra balls under your basket as a hippo? – things you never have to say as a Senior Pastor that Youth Pastors have to say all the time.
   4. The disagreements are always filled with passion from both sides, especially the most competitive team mates. They would argue over who was right and the tension would build until a fight was brewing.
      1. These exact circumstances lead me to coin a phrase: “When you are so determined to be right that you cease to show love, you are no longer right.”
      2. Even if a side was “correct” – if they acted un-sportsman-like I would favor the other team.

APPLICATION: Christians aren’t supposed to be A-holes about their beliefs.

1. As adults, it’s easy to look at children and see when they have lost their logic or reason… ironically enough, we aren’t the best at seeing that within ourselves.
2. Adult Christians can behave like competitive children or even Self-Righteous Paul. We can lose sight of the Gospel when we are convinced that we are exactly right.
3. Our beliefs and actions as Christians don’t matter if we don’t demonstrate love.
   1. In the last 4 years, American Christians have struggled with this line—politics, COVID, and other current events have led us to form opinions that bubble and brew until we’re convinced that our recipe is perfect and everyone else is wrong.
4. I’m not perfect either—I’ve been in that same place of being convinced that everyone else is an idiot and I’m right-eous with God!
5. Keeping ourselves humble and loving.
   1. “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”
      1. This IS leaving condemnation to God and only doing love.
      2. This is leaving the transformation of a life up to the Spirit’s guidance.
   2. “I’m just speaking in love”
      1. This is having a relationship with someone who expresses they want to grow in their Christian faith before you give commentary on their lifestyle.

CONCLUSION:  How could love transform your life?

Message Title: Does this Gift have a Return Policy?
Theme: “Here Is the Church” 1 Corinthians series
Season: Epiphany
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11;
Scripture Reading: John 2:1-11
RCL Scripture: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
Focus: we all receive spiritual gifts
Function: to use our gifts, skills, and passions to point to Jesus
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: John 2:1-11 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and ² Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. ³ When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.” ⁴ Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.” ⁵ His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” ⁶ Nearby were six stone water jars used for the Jewish cleansing ritual, each able to hold about twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. ⁸ Then he told them, “Now draw some from them and take it to the headwaiter,” and they did. ⁹ The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn’t know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. The headwaiter called the groom ¹⁰ and said, “Everyone serves the good wine first. They bring out the second-rate wine only when the guests are drinking freely. You kept the good wine until now.” ¹¹ This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

SERIES INTRODUCTION: For the next 6 weeks we are going to be investigating part of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. We won’t read the whole letter but I encourage you to check out this great Epistle (we’ll talk more about that word in a second). Paul’s two letters to the Corinthians provide a general back bone for structuring the church. As we explore this series, we will see some basics of how the Church should work.

INTRO:

1. Audience engagement: are you sentimental about gifts?
   1. Do you hold on to something that isn’t your taste, doesn’t fit, or you have no room for because of the person who gave you the gift?
2. I am a very sentimental person—it’s hard to let go of things that came from special people but every time I’ve moved I’ve had to prioritize what matters and what to release.

TRANSITION: Last week we talked about Baptism & the gift of the Holy Spirit the Gentiles received. But what exactly do people mean by receiving the Holy Spirit? Our text today will begin a conversation about Spiritual Gifts from the Holy Spirit and hopefully spark our curiosity and ingenuity.

MAIN TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Brothers and sisters, I don’t want you to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. ²You know that when you were Gentiles you were often misled by false gods that can’t even speak. ³So I want to make it clear to you that no one says, “Jesus is cursed!” when speaking by God’s Spirit, and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.⁴There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; ⁵and there are different ministries and the same Lord; ⁶and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. ⁷A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good. ⁸A word of wisdom is given by the Spirit to one person, a word of knowledge to another according to the same Spirit, ⁹faith to still another by the same Spirit, gifts of healing to another in the one Spirit, ¹⁰performance of miracles to another, prophecy to another, the ability to tell spirits apart to another, different kinds of tonguesto another, and the interpretation of the tongues to another. ¹¹All these things are produced by the one and same Spirit who gives what he wants to each person.

EXPLAINATION:

1. Epistles—
   1. Reading someone’s mail
   2. Only getting one part of a conversation
2. Context for Corinthians
3. Spiritual Gifts—
   1. “no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit”
   2. “different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit”—this isn’t an additional God to worship. This isn’t a change in God’s make up. This is the same God from the beginning.
   3. “different ministries” “different activities” – not all Christian activity will look the same. We each are called to serve in different ways to different people with different methods.
      1. We are each given different gifts, not the same gifts—yet the gifts you receive do not indicate how much God loves you compared to your neighbor.
   4. Examples of Gifts:
      1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: in verses 8-10, what gifts are listed? Hint: There are 9
         1. Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment (tell spirits apart), tongues, understanding tongues
      2. More gifts listed: Romans 12:6–8; *1 Corinthians 12:28–30*; Ephesians 4:11 ; 1 Peter 4:11
         1. *We’ll talk about this list next week*
         1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_gift
   5. Goals of gifts; to build each other up and point to God

INTERPRETATION:

1. Spiritual gifts are different than skills, talents, or passions; though frequently, those are all linked to each other.
   1. Also, the Holy Spirit works in other ways besides Spiritual Gifts.
2. We cannot compare ourselves to other Christians’ walk and assess who is loved more by God, who is holier, or who is the bigger sinner.
   1. Our gifts are different
   2. Our callings are unique
   3. Our redemption path is custom made for each individual person
3. When you sit in this pew, attend Bible study, Sunday School, or ponder your faith throughout your week – you are just as loved by God as the person sitting in the bar or at a football stadium during church.

APPLICATION:

1. Taking assessments to discover your gifts
   1. Online Options:
      1. https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/women-leadership-spiritual-gifts-growth-service
   2. Books & Group Studies: I’ve ordered books to arrive for curious parties.
      1. Discover your spiritual gifts the network way by Bruce Bugbee ($5)
      2. Self leadership by LeaderTreks ($20)
2. Next week we will talk about Using your gifts

CONCLUSION:

Message Title:  The Original Flavor
Theme: Baptism of Jesus
Season: Epiphany
Main Text: Acts 8:14-17
Scripture Reading: ALL
RCL Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Focus: God claims us not just through waters but also through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  
Function:To learn some basics about baptism, consider baptism or ‘remember’ our baptism.
Other Notes: introduction to series next week?

SCRIPTURE READING:

Isaiah 43:1-7 But now, says the Lord—the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. ²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you. ³I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. ⁴Because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you. I give people in your place, and nations in exchange for your life. ⁵Don’t fear, I am with you. From the east I’ll bring your children; from the west I’ll gather you. ⁶I’ll say to the north, “Give them back!” and to the south, “Don’t detain them.” Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the end of the earth, ⁷everyone who is called by my name and whom I created for my glory, whom I have formed and made.

Psalm 29 You, divine beings! Give to the Lord—give to the Lord glory and power! ²Give to the Lord the glory due his name! Bow down to the Lord in holy splendor! ³The Lord’s voice is over the waters; the glorious God thunders;the Lord is over the mighty waters. ⁴The Lord’s voice is strong; the Lord’s voice is majestic. ⁵The Lord’s voice breaks cedar trees—yes, the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. ⁶He makes Lebanon jump around like a young bull, makes Sirion jump around like a young wild ox. ⁷The Lord’s voice unleashes fiery flames; ⁸the Lord’s voice shakes the wilderness—yes, the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. ⁹The Lord’s voice convulses the oaks, strips the forests bare, but in his temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” ¹⁰The Lord sits enthroned over the floodwaters; the Lord sits enthroned—king forever! ¹¹Let the Lord give strength to his people! Let the Lord bless his people with peace!

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 ¹⁵The people were filled with expectation, and everyone wondered whether John might be the Christ. ¹⁶John replied to them all, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than me is coming. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.”… ²¹When everyone was being baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened ²²and the Holy Spirit came down on him in bodily form like a dove. And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.”

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Are you a tap or bottled water drinker? For the tap drinkers—well water or city water? For the bottle drinkers—do you have a favorite brand?
   1. I know that there are some people who exist who can tell the difference between different types of water—I am not one of them.
   2. Here’s your motherly reminder that it is important to drink water every day.
2. While I can’t tell the difference between types of water—I CAN tell the difference between types of Coke or types of Dr. Pepper. With both I grew up experiencing the glass bottle, cane sugar versions, which are obviously the best.
   1. Dublin, Texas used to have a Dr. Pepper Plant you could tour that still made the original recipe in glass bottles and had a soda parlor where you could get milk shakes or Dr. Pepper floats.
   2. I believe it is now run by a different company that has since changed the name. But I cherish those memories.

TRANSITION: There’s nothing quite like the original soda flavor to fill you with joy. Today, We will engaged with scripture to see how some disciples saw God open up the flavor profile of his plan. … or perhaps he was going back to the original recipe?  Let’s dive in!

MAIN TEXT: Acts 8:14-17 ¹⁴When word reached the apostles in Jerusalem that Samaria had accepted God’s word, they commissioned Peter and John to go to Samaria. ¹⁵Peter and John went down to Samaria where they prayed that the new believers would receive the Holy Spirit. (¹⁶This was because the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen on any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) ¹⁷So Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

EXPLAINATION:

1. Philip in Samaria: Philip was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, now called an apostle. Saul was persecuting the church and helping with murder of the followers (i.e. Stephen) but Philip went to Samaria any way to share the message of Christ.
   1. Our text is sandwiched in between a story about a sorcerer named Simon. Yes, a man who did magic—healing, fortune-telling, cursing enemies, etc. 
2. Peter & John giving the Holy Spirit
   1. Peter and John came to see the work Philip was doing and affirm what Philip was seeing. They didn’t show up because Philip wasn’t capable of giving the HS.
   2. These Samaritans received the Holy Spirit.

INTERPRETATION:

1. Background:
   1. Bad Blood: Samaritans—were Israel’s siblings… though neither liked to claim the other.
      1. MAPs- 12 tribes, 2 kingdoms, Jesus’ contemporary map
         1. The Samaritan Israelites that have survived to this day, believe they are the remnant from the Northern Kingdom’s exile. Yet their Jewish siblings do not see them as family.
      2. Jesus’ contemporary Jews would have seen Samaritans as their rejected half sibling.
2. Samaritans in Jesus’ ministry: Samaritans and Jews hated each other—this is why Jesus used the Good Samaritan as the hero in his parable. And how important it was that the first-person Jesus affirms his messiahship to was the woman at the well in Samaria. – He did things unexpected.
3. Great Commission: When Jesus had commissioned the disciples, he told them – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
4. The Jewish/Samaritan Struggle
   1. I think the other disciples came because they needed affirmation for their own jewish faith, that Samaritans were included.
   2. Acts 10 Peter has a vision where God makes in quite clear to him that YES GOD IS INCLUDING GENTILES IN THE PLAN.
      1. No one that Peter wanted to exclude was actually excluded.
      2. Then this event was punctuated by Peter witnessing the presence of the Holy Spirit pouring out on a group of Gentiles. He realized he couldn’t hold back baptism from those that God had already chosen.

TRANSITION: Today is the day we celebrate the baptism of Jesus; we’ve talked previous years about the different cultural aspects of baptism both Jewish and Christian. If you want to listen to past recordings, let me know and I can get them for you.

1. While the Jewish followers of Jesus may have been freaking out about the inclusion of Gentiles, “OH NO THEY’RE CHANGING THE FLAVOR OF DR. PEPPER!!!”, the reality is that God was going back to the original design.
   1. All creation was intended to be part of God’s plan.
2. What’s fascinating is how Christians have shifted the plan to have hoops to jump through in order to see if you “truly” are a follower. “ARE YOU REALLY ONE OF US?”
   1. A lot of this came through the trauma of persecution and trying to protect themselves from martyrdom—Special baptism rites, special communion rites, secret meeting places, etc.
3. As you read through the book of Acts, baptism and following Jesus is difficult in practice, but not in concept:
   1. Believe. – Boom done!—ok let’s baptize you!
   1. Be transformed— OOOOOOF THAT’S HARD! Yep, it’s going to take you the rest of your life to work on this.

APPLICATION: To learn some basics about baptism, consider baptism or ‘remember’ our baptism.

1. Stances & Definitions of Baptism
   1. Traditional Baptist Belief: “For the one who experiences it, baptism should indicate an acceptance of Christ, a desire to be united in Spirit and in fellowship with Christ, and should function as a sign of discipleship in the times to come.” (The New Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches)
   2. ABC Baptism: Believer’s baptism by immersion
      1. Policy at Liberty:
         1. “By Baptism – Any person who confesses Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, adopts substantially the views of faith and principles of this church and is baptized by immersion may be received into the fellowship of this church.” (and you become a member)
   3. For Baptists, baptism is a symbolic gesture you make to express your commitment to believing in Jesus and walking in your faith with a group of people (ideally the ones witnessing your baptism).
2. Baptism FAQ—Baptist Edition
   1. Are you required to be baptized in order to follow Jesus? No
   2. Is baptism a ticket into heaven? No
   3. Is there a test you can take to determine if you are ready? No
   4. Can you get baptized again to reaffirm your faith? – it depends on the church and the pastor. Catholics, Methodists, Lutherans and more would all say no. Baptists have been known to re-baptize and it is a criticism many have of Baptists.
      1. If you would like to talk to me about this (or a first time baptism)—we totally can.
      2. There is also an affirmation ceremony that we could perform for those interested in ‘remembering their baptism.’
3. Practice: On your way out today, there will be a bowl of water at the front and back of the sanctuary for those who would like to dip their hand in and remember those waters.

CONCLUSION: The beauty of Jesus’ baptism? That he opened the waters for the rest of us. We enter those same waters with Christ at our baptism.

Our waters of baptism are the “Original Flavor,” God didn’t change the recipe to include us. Just as God intended Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, God intends us to be part of the family.