Message Title: Faith in Persecution
Theme: Faith
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Hebrews 11:29-12:2; (we are not persecuted)
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:49-56
RCL Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19; Jeremiah 23:23-29;
Psalm 82; Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56
Focus: God’s faithful servants were steadfast regardless of their circumstance.
Function: To embrace the uncomfortable messiness of faith and walking the redemption journey.
Other Notes: faith practiced in life- chairs, traffic, utilities, supply chains, politicians, fencing

Once again our camera did not record properly, here is the FB live recording of the service: Liberty Baptist in Tipton, IN

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 12:49-56 ⁴⁹ “I came to cast fire upon the earth. How I wish that it was already ablaze! ⁵⁰ I have a baptism I must experience. How I am distressed until it’s completed! ⁵¹ Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I have come instead to bring division. ⁵² From now on, a household of five will be divided—three against two and two against three. ⁵³ Father will square off against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” ⁵⁴ Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud forming in the west, you immediately say, ‘It’s going to rain.’ And indeed it does. ⁵⁵ And when a south wind blows, you say, ‘A heat wave is coming.’ And it does. ⁵⁶ Hypocrites! You know how to interpret conditions on earth and in the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret the present time? 

FAITH IN LIFE:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What is something you wanted to buy in in the last 2 years but couldn’t because of supply chain or price changes? TP, pick-ups, Xbox, PS5, formula, gas
2. Faith in Supply Chains- Our faith in supply chains has been rocked. Americans have been spoiled with consistent access to food, necessities, and luxuries that 2020 came as a huge shock.
   1. 2020
      1. TP shortage
      2. Panic buying food
      3. Chip shortages
   2. Formula shortages
   3. Russia/Ukraine War
      1. Oil company price gouging & finally going down
      2. Rise in food costs
3. While we could get lost in the details of why each of those supply chain disruptions happened (since there are multiple interpretations), we instead will consider how we felt.
4. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: how many of you felt anxiety, fear, or helplessness was supply chain issues have continued to unfold? Or other feelings?  
   1. Anyone buy chickens, garden, or purchase an acreage to help provide in the midst of uncertainty? … just us? 😀

TRANSITION:  In our text for today we will see more stories of faith. The faith of some leads to victory, while the faith of others ends with death or suffering. Can we be faithful regardless of outcome?

MAIN TEXT: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 ²⁹ By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if they were on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried it, they were drowned. ³⁰ By faith Jericho’s walls fell after the people marched around them for seven days. ³¹ By faith Rahab the prostitute wasn’t killed with the disobedient because she welcomed the spies in peace. ³² What more can I say? I would run out of time if I told you about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. ³³ Through faith they conquered kingdoms, brought about justice, realized promises, shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ put out raging fires, escaped from the edge of the sword, found strength in weakness, were mighty in war, and routed foreign armies. ³⁵ Women received back their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured and refused to be released so they could gain a better resurrection. ³⁶ But others experienced public shame by being taunted and whipped; they were even put in chains and in prison. ³⁷ They were stoned to death, they were cut in two, and they died by being murdered with swords. They went around wearing the skins of sheep and goats, needy, oppressed, and mistreated. ³⁸ The world didn’t deserve them. They wandered around in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. ³⁹ All these people didn’t receive what was promised, though they were given approval for their faith. ⁴⁰ God provided something better for us so they wouldn’t be made perfect without us. 12 So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, ² and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.

EXPLAINATION:

1. Gospel
   1. I’M UNCOMFORTABLE- Jesus brings FIRE AND DIVISION?!!
   2. We think we know how to read the signs of the times but we mess it up.
2. Hebrews
   1. The faithful who God provides victory:
      1. The wandering generation: Exodus
      2. The promise land generation: Jericho, Rahab
      3. The Judges generation: Gideon, Barak (Deborah & Jael), Samson, Jephthah
      4. The Kings generation: David, Samuel
   2. The faithful who God is with in their suffering:
      1. The Prophets
      2. The Maccabean Brothers
      3. Martyrs
   3. A call to perseverance regardless of circumstance

INTERPRETATION:

1. A RUSH TO HAPPY ENDINGS: We like to look at stories of pain from the healed, redeemed, restored angle. Let’s rush to the happy ending. They suffered BUT LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE THEY MADE! They died BUT LOOK their death led to restored relationships. They went to prison BUT LOOK they’re sober and strait-laced NOW. We perceive that it is our DUTY to get to the happy ending.
   1. Today’s passage in Hebrews lists off these amazing stories of faith … but if I’m honest… it feels a little bit like rushing to the happy ending. These are stories of struggle, suffering, and even death. YES, God claims them, restores them, and even in death they are healed. BUT! The story can also be sad.
   2. It’s ok to remain in the mess.
2. UNCOMFY PASSAGE: The Hebrews passage feels like the EXACT opposite of the Gospel passage.
   1. Jesus is talking about bringing fire and causing division. …. Uuuummm Jesus… you ok?
      1. How does this passage work with the prayer of unity that Jesus prays in John 17?
      2. Is the GOOD NEWS of Jesus about division and fire? NO. The GOOD NEWS of Jesus is about restoration, redemption, and resurrection.
      3. This is NOT justification for hell, fire, and brimstone

APPLICATION:

1. BACK TO INTRO: Since 2020, we’ve been in survival mode. Supply chains have been hit and people are “looking out for their own.” We don’t like being uncomfortable, therefore we hoarded provisions for OUR PEOPLE. We stopped caring for the vulnerable and EMPTIED the shelves in grocery stores. We fought for the last roll of toilet paper. I don’t care if you need it, I WANT IT! IT’S MINE!
   1. Does that sound like good news? Does that sound like living like Jesus? How did we get here? Is this what Jesus’ hands and feet look like? OR are we unable to read the signs of the times?
2. Persecution in America:
   1. One of the mindsets that wears me down as a pastor is that of the “American Christian Martyr.” We’ve talked before about Christians who claim persecution when Starbucks changed their holiday cup design or if a store wishes you a “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Those things are not examples of persecution but evidence that we live in a cultural melting pot.
   2. Being uncomfortable isn’t persecution. Equality isn’t persecution. Correction isn’t persecution.
      1. Being corrected or called out for your failings isn’t persecution.
      2. Though it is frequently claimed, American Christians are not being persecuted today.
   3. We have been so busy trying to protect OURSELVES that we have ignored our responsibility as Christ followers to GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES. We’ve been fighting about covid shots or toilet paper INSTEAD of fighting FOR the people in need & at risk.
3. EXPOSING A WOUND OF DIVISION: it would be easy to look at Jesus’ words here at face value and ignore the rest of the gospels and the rest of scripture. Fire isn’t the fire of destruction but of refining. Division is sorting truth from lie. This isn’t a unity that comes from ignoring conflict. This division comes from finally revealing the disagreements and requiring truth to win. It would be easy to use these words to justify the animosity American Christians are breeding.American Christians are persecuted.NO!We are the majority, not the minority. We are the ruling class. We are not threatened.  If we assume Jesus is embracing fire and judgement, we would be ignoring the wound in our churches and letting it fester. The absence of conflict is not peace.
   1. UMC & LGBTQ+ decision led to a church split
      1. This wasn’t a recent revelation. This has been a source of tension that has been building for a while. The infecting division has been exposed, now it’s time to clean the wound and start the healing process.
   2. Some divisions don’t make sense in my mind: the topic of homosexuality and female pastors. Excluding both groups seems illogical to me: We would rather have less Christians? We would rather have less preachers? Yes, let’s have less people talking about Jesus and living like Jesus. We wouldn’t want knowledge of Jesus to get around to the rest of the world… they might bring in their baggage.
      1. I only want new Christians IF they are completely finished with their redemption and restoration. I don’t want any work-in-progress Christians here.
         1. WHAT?!!!?!? That’s not the gospel!
         2. Jesus didn’t kick Judas out.
4. Perseverance of faith regardless of circumstance:
   1. What if we simply acted like Jesus to others rather than trying to convert them?
   2. What if we loved people without reservation or evaluation?
      1. Regardless of political party
      2. Regardless of Gender
      3. Regardless of religion
      4. Regardless of citizenship

CONCLUSION: Intsead of claiming persecution because we are uncomfortable, let’s embrace the mess.  I will stand by Jesus’ teachings; that may lead to division by people who *think* they know what Jesus says. They *think* of a Jesus who condemns or “brings fire.” “Here’s your one-way ticket to Hell!” Rather than a Jesus who left his divine place, entered humanity, DIED ON A CROSS, and defeated death so that we may live. A Jesus who invites us into the messy process of redemption.

Let go of the label “persecution” and embrace the “work in progress.”

Message Title: Faith in Waiting
Theme: Faith
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Scripture Reading: Genesis 15:1-6
RCL Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23; Isaiah 1:1, 10-20; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40
Focus: Abraham had faith in God to fulfill God’s promises.
Function:  To release our need to be people of certainty in stoic answers and find the faith in the waiting, mystery, and uncertainty.
Other Notes: faith practiced in life- chairs, traffic, utilities, supply chains, politicians, fencing

We had technical difficulties with recording the sermon. Here is the FB live recording of the service. Liberty Baptist in Tipton, IN

SCRIPTURE READING: GENESIS 15:1-6 After these events, the Lord’s word came to Abram in a vision, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your protector.^[a] Your reward will be very great.” ² But Abram said, “Lord God, what can you possibly give me, since I still have no children? The head of my household is Eliezer, a man from Damascus.”^[b] 3 He continued, “Since you haven’t given me any children, the head of my household will be my heir.” ⁴ The Lord’s word came immediately to him, “This man will not be your heir. Your heir will definitely be your very own biological child.” ⁵ Then he brought Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars if you think you can count them.” He continued, “This is how many children you will have.” ⁶ Abram trusted the Lord, and the Lord recognized Abram’s high moral character.

SERMON SERIES INTRO: We owe a lot of credit to the Apostle Paul for writing a large chunk of the New Testament. If you’ve ever paid attention to the order of the NT it goes: Gospels & Acts, Paul, Maybe Paul, Claims to Be Paul but we question it, Not Paul (Hebrews Author, Peter, James, John). The Pauline Epistles get the most credit however the “not Paul” section has wonderful teachings to offer.

We do not know the name of the author of Hebrews, nor the audience. The church has many different theories about possible authors, my favorite: it was a woman and that’s why her name got lost. Most likely the audience was Jewish since the book is structured around Jewish stories. Regardless of the missing details, this anonymous book gives us great wisdom into living our faith and learning from the examples of the faith of others. We will take a Leap of Faith through the lessons of others and teaches us about the Jesus we worship.

INTRO:

1. Faith practiced in life: Throughout this series I want to consider ways faith is present in our normal lives. Not religious faith but the act of having faith in something. We go to sleep having faith that we’ll wake up the next morning. We, hopefully, obey traffic laws and have faith that others will do the same.
2. The time I had to practice the most amount of faith was when I worked for the YMCA Day Camp in South Dakota. During our training we had to participate in all the activities we would be bringing kids through—High Ropes being one of the best ones.
   1. We had an exercise called the “Leap of Faith” where you would climb a telephone pole, get on top of the telephone pole, and then jump to a bar out in front of the telephone pole.
   2. The feat was terrifying in itself but you also had to trust the guides to keep you safe.
   3. This photo is me doing the leap. To be honest, I don’t remember if I grabbed the bar, but I do remember trusting the folks with the other end of my rope.

TRANSITION:  Our text today brings us to the Hall of Faith in Hebrews. We will only get a glimpse into Hebrews during this series and if you take away anything from this book, examine our chapter today. Turn with me to Hebrews 11 as we examine the leap of faith of Abraham and Sarah.

MAIN TEXT: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. ² The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith. ³ By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible….

⁸ By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going. ⁹ By faith he lived in the land he had been promised as a stranger. He lived in tents along with Isaac and Jacob, who were coheirs of the same promise. ¹⁰ He was looking forward to a city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.¹¹ By faith even Sarah received the ability to have a child, though she herself was barren and past the age for having children, because she believed that the one who promised was faithful. ¹² So descendants were born from one man (and he was as good as dead). They were as many as the number of the stars in the sky and as countless as the grains of sand on the seashore. ¹³ All these people died in faith without receiving the promises, but they saw the promises from a distance and welcomed them. They confessed that they were strangers and immigrants on earth. ¹⁴ People who say this kind of thing make it clear that they are looking for a homeland. ¹⁵ If they had been thinking about the country that they had left, they would have had the opportunity to return to it. ¹⁶ But at this point in time, they are longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God isn’t ashamed to be called their God—he has prepared a city for them.

EXPLAINATION:

1. Genesis
   1. Context:
      1. Abram (not yet Abraham) is in the beginning of a relationship with God.
      2. Before God’s covenant with Abram
      3. Before the birth of Ishmael & the abuse of Hagar
   2. God made a promise to Abram and Abram had to take a leap of faith that God would fulfill these promises.
   3. Abram had no reason to trust God. They had no relationship prior to Genesis 12, where God tells Abram to move to Canaan.
2. Hebrews
   1. Author defines faith: “Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.”
   2. Lack of knowledge connecting to faith:
      1. “What we see created by what we don’t see” (MSG)
      2. Abraham went to a new land without knowing where he was going.

INTERPRETATION:

1. Genesis
   1. God didn’t tell him how many, God told him to count the stars
   2. The sun had to go down for God’s plan to be revealed (WP)
2. Hebrews
   1. Author defines faith: “Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.”
3. I love that the author of Hebrews doesn’t bring up Abraham’s dirty laundry. Abraham was not a perfect dude BUT our Author focuses on Abraham’s trust in God.
   1. Abraham was called righteous for his faith in God, not for behaving perfectly.
4. Initially, Abraham’s faith required action—HE WENT. 
   1. But then Abraham’s faith required waiting –HE STRUGGLED.

APPLICATION: To release our need to be people of certainty in stoic answers and find the faith in the waiting, mystery, and uncertainty.

1. CHRISTIAN ARROGANCE: Christianity isn’t about being RIGHT or having all the ANSWERS. Christianity is about TRUSTING God no matter the circumstance. However, Christians frequently are at risk of holding faith in our own truth, knowledge, or experiences ABOVE God.
   1. HONESTY TIME:  Fresh out of seminary, I was the ANSWER Queen! I was very confident in my interpretations and practice and judged others harshly. My mother called me out on it. Saying that I called her faith dumb while mine was informed…. I had to work on my faith because it was filled with arrogance. While I’m still confident in my faith, it’s no longer about my own understanding but God’s guidance.
2. Faith doesn’t require a confident knowledge; faith requires trust in the All-Knowing.
   1. It’s scary to walk by faith. Walking by faith feels more like leaping off a telephone pole than having your feet firmly planted on the ground.
   2. Not having all the answers but learning from others.

CONCLUSION:

1. Faith requires moving forward in the midst of uncertainty; that leap of faith on top of the telephone pole was at the very edge of what I was capable of doing…. And I don’t think I could do it again today. Rather, I’m more confident in taking a leap of faith that is guided by the Spirit of God. After all, God brought me to Indiana. I didn’t know what God was up to but had to take the leap and wait on the results.

COMMUNION: We are waiting on the results of our faith in Christ. Though we have security in salvation we are waiting for the fullness of God’s promises to be fulfilled. Communion reminds us of those promises and encourages us to wait in faith.

Message Title: The Value of a Label
Theme: Active Faith
Season: Easter
Main Text: *Acts 9:36-43;
Scripture Reading: John 10:22-30
RCL Scripture: *Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30
Focus: Faith in Jesus is more about actions than words.
Function: To put our actions where our words are by holding nothing back in our faith for Christ.
Other Notes: MOTHER’S DAY

SCRIPTURE READING: John 10:22-30 ²² The time came for the Festival of Dedication^[a] in Jerusalem. It was winter, ²³ and Jesus was in the temple, walking in the covered porch named for Solomon. ²⁴ The Jewish opposition circled around him and asked, “How long will you test our patience? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” ²⁵ Jesus answered, “I have told you, but you don’t believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, ²⁶ but you don’t believe because you don’t belong to my sheep. ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life. They will never die, and no one will snatch them from my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them from my Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

ACTIVE FAITH EXAMPLE: Today is Mother’s Day and I’d like to talk about a spiritual mother rather than a biological mother. Mother Teresa was sainted by the Catholic church in 2016 but I believe the general population had deemed her a saint much earlier. I mean, this woman received a Nobel Peace Prize after all.

1. I realize the humor in a Baptist talking about a Catholic saint—but if you don’t know this woman’s story, you’re missing out.
2. In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India. This congregation of nuns did mission work in over 133 countries. “Members take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, and also profess a fourth vow – to give “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.””
   1. One of their first missions was to provide a place for the dying–HIV/AIDS, Leper, tuberculosis- dying with dignity.
   2. BUT the coolest story? In 1982, Lebanon was in the midst of a war. This fighting led to an orphanage for disabled children being attacked. Kids were wounded, in dangerous medical states because of their disabilities or, killed in the attacks. The workers left the kids to save themselves.
      1. Mother Teresa found out about this and instantly went to work. She wanted to go save those kids. However, the officials wouldn’t bring her into save the kids without a cease fire as they were actively bombing that area. She prayed and was completely confident the next day would bring a cease fire. Sure enough, the next day came and there was a cease fire. She arrived at 5 am so the Lebanese Red Cross could bring her in to get the kids out.
   3. Sources:
      1. https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Mother-Teresa,-the-war-in-Lebanon-and-the-rescue-of-100-orphans-and-children-with-disabilities-38470.html
      2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa
3. Talk about maternal instincts! Mother Teresa was a mother to the dying, the poor, and the orphan. She may not have birthed children but she loved as passionately as Jesus. She embodied the motherhood of God.

TRANSITION: In our text today, we will connect the words of Jesus with the actions of a woman named Tabitha. Let’s hear her story and find inspiration for our own ACTIVE Faith.

MAIN TEXT: Acts 9:36-43 ³⁶ In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas). Her life overflowed with good works and compassionate acts on behalf of those in need. ³⁷ About that time, though, she became so ill that she died. After they washed her body, they laid her in an upstairs room. ³⁸ Since Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two people to Peter. They urged, “Please come right away!” ³⁹ Peter went with them. Upon his arrival, he was taken to the upstairs room. All the widows stood beside him, crying as they showed the tunics and other clothing Dorcas made when she was alive. ⁴⁰ Peter sent everyone out of the room, then knelt and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. ⁴¹ He gave her his hand and raised her up. Then he called God’s holy people, including the widows, and presented her alive to them. ⁴² The news spread throughout Joppa, and many put their faith in the Lord. ⁴³ Peter stayed for some time in Joppa with a certain tanner named Simon.

EXPLAINATION:

1. MT: Tabitha’s Faith
   1. It would be easy to focus this story on the actions of Peter. I mean, Peter did just raise someone from the dead. But I think the more significant story is of the woman he raised.
      1. Right in the first verse of our reading, Tabitha (aka Dorcas aka Gazelle) is called a disciple. This woman is devoted to the teachings of Jesus and her life reflects that truth.
      2. Tabitha passes away and the widows gather to mourn her. Their mourning tells a beautiful story. They pull out garments that she has made for them. This woman LITERALLY “clothed the poor.” Just like Jesus said to do. Her life was shaped around caring for the vulnerable.
      3. Disciples (likely not the 12 but other disciples like Tabitha in Joppa) request help from Peter. He came and raised her up.
      4. Tabitha’s actions and resuscitation brought people to Jesus.
2. SR: My sheep listen to my voice.
   1. This fits perfectly with the gospel passage. Jesus is in the Temple during Hanukah. A group of Jews are asking for clear evidence that Jesus is the Messiah.
   2. But Jesus had just finished a whole section of “I am” statements that would have LITERALLY been Jesus giving them what they wanted. After all, God’s name is ‘I AM.” He connected the dots BUT they didn’t want to hear it.
   3. Jesus says—even my words declare this truth. He healed a man born blind before his “I am” statements. After this, he would revive Lazarus from the dead.  

INTERPRETATION:

1. Tabitha didn’t miss it. Tabitha acted in accordance with her faith. She believed in Jesus and her actions reflected that belief. There was a chain reaction.
2. Jesus was not only speaking but also doing the very things that SHOULD point to him being the Messiah. However, the people most educated in the scriptures didn’t see it. They missed it because of their own perceptions of who the Messiah would be or how the Messiah would act.
   1. They rejected the label of Messiah for Jesus because he didn’t fit their understanding of the Messiah.

APPLICATION:

1. Back to intro: Mother Teresa may not have been a biological mother BUT she was a Spiritual Mother to many, not just those children she saved in Lebanon.
   1. There have been different times in her life that Mother Teresa was questioned about her methods or beliefs, especially when they were unpopular. Her response in one particular moment was to remind people to not get lost in their lives and decisions so much that they forget to love.
      1. “Mother Teresa said: “Yet we can destroy this gift of motherhood, especially by the evil of abortion, but also by thinking that other things like jobs or positions are more important than loving.”^”
         1. Not get lost in the label and forget the responsibility.
2. We can be very proud of the labels we carry: Parent, Pastor, Christian, EXAMPLE, EXAMPLE. However, labels mean nothing without actions.
   1. Mother Teresa was a mother, not because of the Catholic church but because of her ministry to others.
   2. The Jews who opposed Jesus, clung to their labels but lacked in their actions.
   3. Tabitha was exemplary in actions of her faith that she claimed. She was worthy of the label of disciple because of her actions. Labels to match the actions.
3. We can claim to be Christians until we are blue in the face. But until we are lacking love, that label is worthless. We demean the label of Christian when we act unloving.
   1. Concepts and debates don’t win new believers; genuine loving faith wins new believers.

CONCLUSION:  In this world, you will meet people you disagree with. In this world you will interact with people who practice behaviors that you abhor. You will change no one’s mind by being an arrogant jerk.  But love can change the world. Ponder this as we listen to this song.

SONG:  Love Can Change the World by Aaron Niequist

BENEDICTION: May you finally live into the right labels. May you fully embody the name Christian, not for believing the right thing but by acting like Jesus.

Message Title:  The Blind Side- Turn the Other Cheek
Theme: Active Faith
Season: Easter
Main Text: *Acts 9:1-20
Scripture Reading: John 21:1-19
RCL Scripture: *Acts 9:1-6, (7-20); Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
Focus:  God doesn’t give up.
Function:  to find pathways for restoration, redemption, and reconciliation that are guided by God’s Spirit.
Other Notes: COMMUNION SUNDAY| STORIES OF ACTIVE FAITH PEOPLE – St Francis, Shane Claiborne, mother Theresa, “hell’s kitchen” & Walter Rauschenbusch

SCRIPTURE READING: John 21:1-19 Later, Jesus himself appeared again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is how it happened: ²Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two other disciples were together. ³Simon Peter told them, “I’m going fishing.” They said, “We’ll go with you.” They set out in a boat, but throughout the night they caught nothing. ⁴Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn’t realize it was Jesus. ⁵Jesus called to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” ⁶He said, “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So they did, and there were so many fish that they couldn’t haul in the net. ⁷Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked) and jumped into the water. ⁸The other disciples followed in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they weren’t far from shore, only about one hundred yards. ⁹When they landed, they saw a fire there, with fish on it, and some bread. ¹⁰Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you’ve just caught.” ¹¹Simon Peter got up and pulled the net to shore. It was full of large fish, one hundred fifty-three of them. Yet the net hadn’t torn, even with so many fish. ¹²Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples could bring themselves to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. ¹⁴This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. ¹⁵When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” ¹⁷He asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don’t want to go.” ¹⁹He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me.”

ACTIVE FAITH EXAMPLE: Shane Claiborne

1. Shane Claiborne is a unique type of Christian. In the early 2000’s he used the phrase “New Monastic” or “Monastic Christian” to describe his faith. His influences include Mother Theresa and St Francis of Assisi. It’s no wonder that Claiborne’s life was structured similar to St francis: he chose to live in poverty and community in the inner city of Philadelphia. They called this community “the Simple Way” which has grown into it’s own ministry organization.
   1. In the beginning, Shane and his roommates chose an intentional style of living that pursued radical love to their community. This community did not fit in with typica Philly—they had a washing machine powered by a bicycle AND they would turn guns into gardening tools through black smithing methods. PHOTO  (inspired by Isaiah 2:4)

TRANSITION: Claiborne’s demeanor and methodology is quite different than the two men we’ll study today BUT he has just as much zeal for Jesus.

MAIN TEXT: Acts 9:1-20 Meanwhile, Saul was still spewing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest, ²seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus. If he found persons who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, these letters would authorize him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. ⁴He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” ⁵Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus, whom you are harassing,” came the reply. ⁶“Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do.”  ⁷Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. ⁸After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything. ¹⁰In Damascus there was a certain disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He answered, “Yes, Lord.” ¹¹The Lord instructed him, “Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. ¹²In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias enter and put his hands on him to restore his sight.” ¹³Ananias countered, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. People say he has done horrible things to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴He’s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name.” ¹⁵The Lord replied, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. ¹⁶I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” ¹⁷Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me—Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸Instantly, flakes fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. ¹⁹After eating, he regained his strength. He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. ²⁰Right away, he began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues. “He is God’s Son,” he declared.

EXPLAINATION & INTERPRETATION:

1. Saul was so full of zeal for his beliefs that he was ready to crush this Jesus movement plaguing his faith.
   1. On his way to carry out his plans, Jesus appeared to him saying “why are you persecuting (harassing) me?!”
   2. Jesus commissions Saul, blinds him, and sends him to Ananias (a fellow Christian) to get sorted out.
2. Saul doesn’t even seem to have a choice—Jesus is redeeming his story- PERIOD!
   1. Saul went from zealousness of rage to grace
3. Jesus seems to be in the habit of restoring people when they or others have given up. While I could offer you many examples, we’ll focus on the story from the gospel passage today.
   1. In many ways, Peter is just like Paul. Peter is zealous and does everything 200%.
      1. Jesus is washing feet NO JESUS NOT ME! OK OK THEN MY WHOLE BODY!
      2. Jesus is getting arrested *cuts off guards ear*!
      3. Jesus has died and they’re looking for his followers? DEFINITELY NOT ME!
      4. This guy has no chill.
   2. NOW Peter is behaving as if he’s given up. He went HOME after seeing the empty tomb. Now he’s at the sea of Galilee – sad, broken, lost. (I mean—What are the disciples doing there? They’ve already seen the risen Christ a few times… why are they fishing?!) In his mind, Peter has lost his place as a disciple so why not go back to the life before Jesus—a life of fishing.
      1. Hard core post-break up energy.
   3. But once again, Jesus pulls him out of that life. Jesus restores Peter to his place as a disciple.

APPLICATION/RESPONSE/SO WHAT?:

1. Saul was redeemed. Peter was restored. There is hope for us too.
2. Back to intro: Shane Claiborne is a radical Christian living out the teachings and actions of Jesus in bold ways. Frequently his actions and words make people uncomfortable. An unpopular but big part of his ministry includes caring for those on death row. He advocates for inmates. He speaks with governors. He does public engagements to end capital punishment.
   1. He wrote a book titled “Executing Grace” where he discusses how faith in Jesus (a man executed on death row) means we should be against this form of punishment.
   2. It’s a hard path to consider when we humans desire justice when we’ve been wronged.
   3. I’ll leave space for you to ponder Claiborne’s thoughts & actions while we consider our own.
3. AUDIENCE REFLECTION: take some time to ponder these questions.
   1. How are we opening doors for redemption, restoration, and reconciliation?
   2. Do we make room for people with criminal records in a church community?
   3. Do we leave room for people to change their mind who hurt or failed us?
   4. Do we make space for people to start a new life?
4. DISCLAIMER; If you have suffered abuse—these questions can be quite triggering or confusing. Please use caution when considering reconciliation with your abuser.
   1. All reconciliation, redemption, and restoration should be fueled by the Spirit of God, NOT by an attitude of guilt or fear.
   2. For the rest of us who haven’t experienced abuse—we are called to be agents of healing for both parties: the guilty and the victim without putting pressure on the victim to reconcile with the guilty.

COMMUNION:  Our first act of reconciliation is the communion table. At this table, we are equals. No one is greater than another. No one is more righteous. No one is garbage. Everyone gets an equal seat at this table.

CONCLUSION:  No one is past God’s redemption. Saul wanted to kill Christians. Jesus redeemed him. Peter had denied Jesus. Jesus restored him. Maybe that person on death row will be your neighbor in eternity. Our God is all powerful and all loving. Our God can redeem, restore, and reconcile any store—yours, mine, or theirs.

Message Title: Can A Story Change Your Life?
Theme: Active Faith (St francis quote about preaching the gopsel at all times)
Season: Easter
Main Text: *Acts 5:27-32;
Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31
RCL Scripture: *Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29; Psalm 150; Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31
Focus:  The knowledge of the Resurrected Jesus is transformative.
Function:  To align our priorities and loyalties with Christ above every earthly authority.
Other Notes: STORIES OF ACTIVE FAITH PEOPLE – st Francis, Shane Claiborne, mother Theresa, “hell’s kitchen” & Walter rauschenbach,

SCRIPTURE READING: John 20:19-31 ¹⁹ It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” ²² Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.” ²⁴ Thomas, the one called Didymus,^[a] one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵ The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.” ²⁶ After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!” ²⁸ Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” ³⁰ Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. ³¹ But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.

ACTIVE FAITH SERIES INTRODUCTION:  A quote frequently mis-attributed to St. Francis of Assisi is “Preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary, use words.” Regardless of who coined this phrase, it is a solid phrase to live by. Over the season of Easter, we will study stories from Acts and John while considering how we can transform our faith to an active faith.

ACTIVE FAITH EXAMPLE:  As we journey through the our Active Faith series, I’ll also find examples of Christians throughout history who have lived an Active Faith.

We’ll talk about St. Francis first.

1. Details about St Fran:
   1. From a wealthy family
   2. Went to war and was traumatized by the injuries and death he saw
      1. Rejected his family status of wealth and position for a role as a monk
      2. Took a vow of poverty and basically established a new “order” (Franciscan monks vs. Benedictine or Gregorian or other monks)
   3. He preached to birds and the response was so spiritual that he had a revelation of all creation being part of God’s family. He regularly preached to animals from that point forward.
      1. Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/st-francis-and-the-birds
2. St Francis was a tender and tortured soul that carried the burdens of war yet found peace in nature.
   1. Personal irony—I own a cat, she’s named after St Francis, we call her Franny. She however, is not a lover of animals. She doesn’t like her 4 cat siblings or 2 doggie siblings.

TRANSITION: St Francis loved preaching to animals but in our text for today we will hear how Peter broke the law by preaching. Two unconventional men with active faith to very different crowds! Let’s see how their faith will guide our own.

MAIN TEXT: Acts 5:27-32 ²⁷ The apostles were brought before the council where the high priest confronted them: ²⁸ “In no uncertain terms, we demanded that you not teach in this name. And look at you! You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching. And you are determined to hold us responsible for this man’s death.” ²⁹ Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than humans! ³⁰ The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. ³¹ God has exalted Jesus to his right side as leader and savior so that he could enable Israel to change its heart and life and to find forgiveness for sins. ³² We are witnesses of such things, as is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

EXPLAINATION:

1. Context:
   1. After math of Easter- Remember, Jesus was executed by his own people through the authority of Rome. He was considered a criminal and a blasphemer by officials.
      1. They executed Jesus and hoped that it would squash this movement. Hopefully fear of being executed would quiet his disciples.
   2. By the time of Acts 5, Pentecost has already happened. The disciples were commissioned and equipped with the Holy Spirit to spread the story of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
      1. Though they are out preaching, this didn’t mean the tension in the air had calmed.
2. Jesus’ disciples were not silenced by the high priest or Sadducees. They continued to preach the word of Jesus even though they had been strictly forbidden to do so.

INTERPRETATION:

1. Connect to scripture reading:
   1. We can see that the gospel passage we read for our scripture reading had a transforming impact on their lives.
   2. The disciples saw the resurrected Jesus, Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on them (yes this is described differently in Acts 2) and then told them to go and serve.
   3. Thomas wasn’t there and didn’t believe the other disciples. He wanted the same proof they received.
2. This event changed their lives. The disciples were willing to risk their own death by continuing to preach the story of Jesus throughout Jerusalem.
   1. Eventually all 12 of the apostles would die for the Gospel.
      1. Judas out of guilt for his part in the story
      2. John in exile on an island
      3. The rest as martyrs
3. The truth of Jesus Christ gave the disciples the bravery to stand up to human authority. The disciples aren’t looking for human approval in order to carry out the Great Commission. They would be faithful to Jesus at all cost.
   1. They are faithful to Jesus above their religion & religious leaders.
   2. They are faithful to Jesus above the government.
   3. They are faithful to Jesus above the culture.

APPLICATION/SO WHAT/ RESPONSE:

1. Not their own gain: The disciples were not rebellious against authorities in order to push any human agenda. They were preaching the hope of Christ regardless of what any authorities said.
   1. It’s no wonder that, later, the Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians about their citizenship in Heaven not on Earth. They had put too much emphasis on national pride.
2. Political Loyalty: A podcast I listened to discussed a political candidate’s interview for a local election—I forget the state or candidate or political party. However, they asked him if he was loyal to his state or to his political party. The people wanted him to be loyal to his state first and foremost.
   1. Divided loyalty is not loyalty. Eventually, one will demand the whole amount. We cannot be loyal to two separate groups.
   2. i.e. Jesus speaks of not being able to serve both God and money in Matthew 6.
      
      
3. Sorting our Priorities:
   1. Our priority isn’t to make sure the government (of any country) behaves in accordance to our faith.
      1. Our priority isn’t to a political party or politician.
         1. This is a tough one for me—it’s so easy to equate my hopes with what government officials say or the laws that will be passed. I can get wrapped up in hoping that all of America will see the world through the same Gospel lens as me.
      2. BUT the disciples were faithful to Jesus even at the risk of their lives- religion, government & culture.
         1. Early Christians were faithful to Jesus even when Christianity was illegal and punishable by death (including a gladiator death by wild beasts). It wasn’t until Constantine that Christianity was legalized. … and then we became the killers (aka the Holy Roman Empire slaughtering anyone who wouldn’t say yes to Jesus.)
      3. When faith and government mix, it makes a mess of both. It splits our priorities…. Eventually we choose one over the other.
   1. Our priority is to the teachings of Jesus.
      1. Does Jesus alter our politics or do our politics alter Jesus?
      2. Our faith acts outside of ANY authority apart from Jesus.
      3. There are countless martyrs (talked about in SS) we could study who died for their faith—the first that come to mind are Felicitas and Perpetua. Perpetua gave birth in jail, her father took the child. And then the two women were killed in arena games… (think gladiator games) … all because they loved Jesus. Theses mothers gave up their life & ability to raise their children for the Gospel.
         1. We get mad about books with words in them that we disagree with and call it persecution. We get mad about Christmas not being celebrated “properly” in retail stores or restaurants. These women died for their faith.

CONCLUSION:

1. We’ve lost our perspective much like St. Francis before he went to war.
2. No matter what events are happening in the world (war, food shortage, elections, etc) our priority is to be faithful to Christ.
   1. Faithfulness to Christ does not look like cruelty to others.
   2. Faithfulness to Christ looks like compassion, hope, and mercy.
   3. Faithfulness to Christ looks like spending our energy on ministry, not on passing our beliefs in to laws.
   4. The laws of this world don’t dictate our mission, God does. Our job is to care for the vulnerable and spread the hope of the Resurrected Christ.
3. Join with the bold Christians who have gone before us. Don’t cling to hope in human authorities but in Christ.

May we be transformed by the resurrected Jesus. May our priorities and loyalties be only to him.