Citizens of Heaven
Citizens of Heaven, today I call upon you to claim who you belong to. Today I call upon you to cast aside the labels that others put upon you to cast aside those who falsely lay a claim to you, to renounce any claim of your identity except that, you are a Child of God. You belong to God, you live in God’s kingdom, your loyalty remains with God as we live together in God’s grace.
For too long people have claimed citizenship to that which is inferior to God’s kingdom. Our very Bible records the difficulties people have had in claiming that they belong to God. The ancestor of our faith Abraham (and the faith of Jewish and Muslim people) understood he belonged to God. The covenant that God established with him continues to be a blessing for those who will live understanding the promise that God makes, “I am yours and you are mine.”
Yet frail people began to want more than a promise of relationship, they wanted land, they wanted security. God continues to remind us that our security comes in relationship not political power, yet we do not listen. God warned the people when the clamored for a King. (I Sam. 8) God warns them, kings like power, kings raise armies, kings are not all that they are built up to be. Yet the people get what they want. They get kings, and wars, death, and destruction.
Citizens of Heaven unless we too put our security in relationships instead of political power we will live with war, death and destruction. Citizens of heaven, you are all created equal in God’s eyes. The rich among you are no greater than the poor. In God’s eyes we are not American or Iraqi, Russian or Chinese, Shiite or Sunni, Baptist or Methodist, Democrat or Republican, Conservative or Progressive, Cougar or Husky, Gay or Straight. These divisions we create only lead to destruction.
Paul knew this when he was writing to the small church of Philipi two thousand years ago. Those who do not live knowing God’s grace through Christ perish, “Their end is destruction; their god is the belly and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.”
We have all been guilty of setting our mind on earthly things, we create great joy in it. As a youth one of my favorite moments in sports was the 1980 winter Olympics, I can still hear the chants, USA, USA, USA, and the great line from Al Michaels, “Do you believe in Miracles?” I have aligned myself with false citizenship to many idols. When I was a child I was a fan of the University of Washington, and my sin is ever before me. (When I attended Washington State University I turned from that evil.) As an American Youth I cheered, yes I cheered when General Norman Schwarzkoph showed video of missiles striking their targets with fantastic accuracy in the first Gulf War.
Citizens of Heaven we must be careful with our allegiances.
When I was a youth students who wanted to run for the Associated Student Body council would create political campaigns. Posters would be painted, gossip would be spread and of course speeches would be made. Inevitably the winning speech would be the one that was most convincing around the ambiguous idea of, “School Pride.” “We need more School Pride” the candidates would declare. We would cheer and then we would vote. Then we would ask ourselves, “what the heck is school pride anyway?” Our sports teams were not spectacular, it was always fun when teams and individuals did well, is that school pride? When I remember those school days, I don’t remember the teams as much as I remember my relationship with those who I went to school with.
Citizens of Heaven as humans we have a need to belong to groups. Some of our groups are small, some of our groups are large, but we have a need for identity within groups. This in itself is normal and healthy. Groups are places where we learn to live in relationship. I submit to you today that the purpose of our very existence is to be in relationship, relationship with one another, relationship with the created world, relationship with God. These relationships form our existence and without them we perish.
I implore you to seek relationships that build up the kingdom of God and to cast aside the labels that lead to destruction. You do not need to call yourself, American, or Washingtonian, you do not need to be Republican or Democrat your identity is not dependent upon false labels. Your identity is simply that you are a child of God. God love you. Your ability to live in that love, to share that love with others, that will form your identity that others will remember. They will not so much care about what teams you played sports with, or what city or state or nation you were from, they will remember the way in which you were able to express God’s love.
As a citizen of heaven I know you are working to share God’s grace. It is our patriotic duty to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. You are a sign of God’s grace when you assist a neighbor in need, when you volunteer your time for others, when you give your money to the poor, when you stand up for justice, when you pound on the doors of legislators, when you pray for healing, when you hold hands with someone you love, you are a sign of God’s grace.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
You Deserve Grace
Yesterday several members from Longview United Methodist Church attended "Equality Day" at the state capital. We were joined by people from Jewsih, Muslim and Christian backgrounds. There were several United Methodist clergy and lay people from churches all over the state. The effort has been organized for the past few years by the "Religious Coalition for Equality." The marriage equality bill is in process in the legislature right now.
House Bill 1350 and Senate Bill 5335 would offer the same legal protections, rights and benefits to same-sex couples that are currently granted to married couples. The five legislators agreed that it this is the ultimate legislative goal of their efforts to secure similar legal rights for gay and lesbian families. HB 1350 was introduced with 25 co-signatories in the House, where 50 votes are needed for passage. SB 5335 was introduced with 11 co-signatories in the Senate, where 25 votes are needed for passage. http://access.wa.gov/leg/2007/Jan/n2007017_7619.aspx
We were also joined by some people who were apparently trying to save our souls. One Memorable sign read, "You deserve Hell." Nice. You know after reading that sign I am suddenly moved to become a fundamentalist, well, maybe not.
Seriously, the theology of that sign is disturbing. Why is homosexuality so threatening to some people? Where in the Gospel did Jesus proclaim anyone deserved hell. Wasn't it Jesus who at the cross forgave those who put him there? The Gospel doesn't end at John 3:16 it goes on. John 3:17 says, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (NRSV)
House Bill 1350 and Senate Bill 5335 would offer the same legal protections, rights and benefits to same-sex couples that are currently granted to married couples. The five legislators agreed that it this is the ultimate legislative goal of their efforts to secure similar legal rights for gay and lesbian families. HB 1350 was introduced with 25 co-signatories in the House, where 50 votes are needed for passage. SB 5335 was introduced with 11 co-signatories in the Senate, where 25 votes are needed for passage. http://access.wa.gov/leg/2007/Jan/n2007017_7619.aspx
We were also joined by some people who were apparently trying to save our souls. One Memorable sign read, "You deserve Hell." Nice. You know after reading that sign I am suddenly moved to become a fundamentalist, well, maybe not.
Seriously, the theology of that sign is disturbing. Why is homosexuality so threatening to some people? Where in the Gospel did Jesus proclaim anyone deserved hell. Wasn't it Jesus who at the cross forgave those who put him there? The Gospel doesn't end at John 3:16 it goes on. John 3:17 says, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (NRSV)
I feel sorry for those who where there to protest equality. I am sorry that they are unable to understand and live in God's grace. I wish someone would just give them a hug and let them know that they deserve grace, just like the rest of us.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sermon Notes February 25, 2007
Your Mission . . .
In the United Methodist Church we have a tradition that all members are ministers of the church. Wesley taught that all Christian people are called by God to ministry. Ministry is not only the role of ordained clergy but it is the work that each of us do as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Some ministries are set apart by the church for service, word, sacrament and order such as ordination as Elder, some ministries are set apart for service to a community such as ordination as a Deacon. These professional ministries are not the only place ministry is performed in the life of the church.
It can be one of the most intimidating steps toward ordained ministry, talking about your “call.” Instantly images of Moses, comes to mind with a burning bush. Rarely is a candidate for the ordained ministry blessed with such clear call. If only God sent us a tape with clear instructions and a self destruct mechanism, now that would be cool.
So how does one discern a call?
Listening: Each of us must be attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. What is God placing on our hearts? What do we have an urge to attend to? Are you spending time in prayer to listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit?
Experience: What do you have a passion to do? What life experiences give you a unique skill you can share with the community?
Confirmation: Have others recognized God’s movement in your life?
Each of us are called to be Volunteers In Mission. It is up to each of us to discern God’s call for where, when and how.
Devotions for the First week of Lent
Monday Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11
God commands that the first fruits are to be given to the temple (the place where God dwells.)
What first fruits can you bring to God today?
Pray for your stewardship and sharing of gifts.
Tuesday Read Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
The people of Israel by now know that the Temple will not always be there. They begin to search for other places that God dwells with them.
In what way does God dwell with you?
Pray for those who have no home.
Wednesday Read Romans 10:8b-13
Paul proclaims that we need to believe with our hearts.
Your Mission . . . (UMVIM awareness Sunday)
When does the belief of your heart make a difference in your life?
Pray for those living with questions.
Thursday Read Luke 4:1-13
This passage is often called “the temptation of Christ.”
How does knowing that Jesus faced temptation inform your faith?
Pray for your struggle with the temptations in your life.
Friday and Saturday
What action is God calling you to take? What is your mission?
In the United Methodist Church we have a tradition that all members are ministers of the church. Wesley taught that all Christian people are called by God to ministry. Ministry is not only the role of ordained clergy but it is the work that each of us do as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Some ministries are set apart by the church for service, word, sacrament and order such as ordination as Elder, some ministries are set apart for service to a community such as ordination as a Deacon. These professional ministries are not the only place ministry is performed in the life of the church.
It can be one of the most intimidating steps toward ordained ministry, talking about your “call.” Instantly images of Moses, comes to mind with a burning bush. Rarely is a candidate for the ordained ministry blessed with such clear call. If only God sent us a tape with clear instructions and a self destruct mechanism, now that would be cool.
So how does one discern a call?
Listening: Each of us must be attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. What is God placing on our hearts? What do we have an urge to attend to? Are you spending time in prayer to listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit?
Experience: What do you have a passion to do? What life experiences give you a unique skill you can share with the community?
Confirmation: Have others recognized God’s movement in your life?
Each of us are called to be Volunteers In Mission. It is up to each of us to discern God’s call for where, when and how.
Devotions for the First week of Lent
Monday Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11
God commands that the first fruits are to be given to the temple (the place where God dwells.)
What first fruits can you bring to God today?
Pray for your stewardship and sharing of gifts.
Tuesday Read Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
The people of Israel by now know that the Temple will not always be there. They begin to search for other places that God dwells with them.
In what way does God dwell with you?
Pray for those who have no home.
Wednesday Read Romans 10:8b-13
Paul proclaims that we need to believe with our hearts.
Your Mission . . . (UMVIM awareness Sunday)
When does the belief of your heart make a difference in your life?
Pray for those living with questions.
Thursday Read Luke 4:1-13
This passage is often called “the temptation of Christ.”
How does knowing that Jesus faced temptation inform your faith?
Pray for your struggle with the temptations in your life.
Friday and Saturday
What action is God calling you to take? What is your mission?
March Newsletter
I have been greatly encouraged this month with the participation in our latest small group study Saving Jesus. We have already had a lot of fun with the irony of the title and the open discussions about who is Jesus and what is the role of the church today? One of the problems many people seem to have with Jesus is how the church has failed to represent his values in the world today. In fact, some argue that the church has often aligned itself more with empires and the powerful than Christ.
This year for Lent I encourage you to consider how can you represent Jesus to the world? When you consider the ministry of Jesus and what a relationship with Christ means to you, what actions are you led to take?
Often Lent is seen as a time to give something up, and that is a spiritual practice well worth considering. Lent is a great time to consider those harmful habits that keep us at a distance from knowing God more fully and to give them up. Perhaps this Lent you can take care of your body by giving up cigarettes or by giving up unnecessary calories.
I would like to add to that, the idea of taking something up for Christ. What new thing can you begin doing as a response to the Gospel?
“Praxis” is word we have learned in our Saving Jesus class. Essentially praxis is the practice of our faith, or that which we do because of what we believe. Some of the presenters have suggested that our praxis is of greater concern to Jesus than our words. May each of us will continue to grow as we practice our faith together at Longview United Methodist Church.
This year for Lent I encourage you to consider how can you represent Jesus to the world? When you consider the ministry of Jesus and what a relationship with Christ means to you, what actions are you led to take?
Often Lent is seen as a time to give something up, and that is a spiritual practice well worth considering. Lent is a great time to consider those harmful habits that keep us at a distance from knowing God more fully and to give them up. Perhaps this Lent you can take care of your body by giving up cigarettes or by giving up unnecessary calories.
I would like to add to that, the idea of taking something up for Christ. What new thing can you begin doing as a response to the Gospel?
“Praxis” is word we have learned in our Saving Jesus class. Essentially praxis is the practice of our faith, or that which we do because of what we believe. Some of the presenters have suggested that our praxis is of greater concern to Jesus than our words. May each of us will continue to grow as we practice our faith together at Longview United Methodist Church.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Sermon Notes February 18, 2007
Methodists are a bunch of hippies and holy rollers. Methodists are President George Bush Jr. and Senator Hillary Clinton. Methodists are a diverse bunch of folks.
Wesley was a unique individual who was described as a reasonable enthusiast. He used his reason and his spiritual enthusiasm to guide his life. He was deeply interested in the best scholarship of his time. Not only was he a great Bible scholar, he was also deeply interested in the sciences. He not only wrote sermons but he also published pamphlets on home remedies. Wesley was also passionate about his faith, encouraging his brother in sharing new hymns for Methodist worship. He was also known to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This holding together of Spirit and Reason caused many fractures of the Methodist movement after his death. Many of these splits occurred within the church when enthusiasts would feel stifled by the moderate majority.
The splits have not always been about reason or enthusiasm. The first split in American Methodism was about racism. In 1787 the African Methodist Church was formed after an African American man was removed from a Methodist Church by the trustees. The EUB was a 20th century merger of two Wesleyan German churches.
What is common in our history is a series of splits and re-unifications. We may face more. There are some limited number of churches both conservative and liberal who have left the United Methodist denomination because of differences regarding homosexuality and the church.
Methodists may always struggle to hold the tension of reason and enthusiasm but that is exactly what we must do. There is room in individual spiritual journeys and in the life of the church for carefully reasoned theology and for enthusiastic trust in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately what must hold us together is a deep understanding of God’s Grace for all.
Like families we will have our conflicts, the question is how will we live in God’s grace while we disagree with one another?
Wesley was a unique individual who was described as a reasonable enthusiast. He used his reason and his spiritual enthusiasm to guide his life. He was deeply interested in the best scholarship of his time. Not only was he a great Bible scholar, he was also deeply interested in the sciences. He not only wrote sermons but he also published pamphlets on home remedies. Wesley was also passionate about his faith, encouraging his brother in sharing new hymns for Methodist worship. He was also known to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This holding together of Spirit and Reason caused many fractures of the Methodist movement after his death. Many of these splits occurred within the church when enthusiasts would feel stifled by the moderate majority.
The splits have not always been about reason or enthusiasm. The first split in American Methodism was about racism. In 1787 the African Methodist Church was formed after an African American man was removed from a Methodist Church by the trustees. The EUB was a 20th century merger of two Wesleyan German churches.
What is common in our history is a series of splits and re-unifications. We may face more. There are some limited number of churches both conservative and liberal who have left the United Methodist denomination because of differences regarding homosexuality and the church.
Methodists may always struggle to hold the tension of reason and enthusiasm but that is exactly what we must do. There is room in individual spiritual journeys and in the life of the church for carefully reasoned theology and for enthusiastic trust in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately what must hold us together is a deep understanding of God’s Grace for all.
Like families we will have our conflicts, the question is how will we live in God’s grace while we disagree with one another?
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sermon Notes February 11, 2007
People of Grace
Wesley was a fantastic failure.
His sermons at Oxford were unpopular.
He was run out of Georgia.
Local priest hated him, villages ran him out of town.
His marriage fell apart.
He failed to get a Bishop to ordain preachers for America.
His movement split into multiple fractions upon his death.
Wesley’s life was dependent upon grace.
Wesley held a passion for the knowledge that we are “saved by grace through faith.” His only desire in life was that others would know that same truth. It was something so valuable it was worth many failed efforts in the midst of many other successful ones.
While he gathered thousands for a sermon, the vast majority would later ignore or ridicule him, but those few, those precious few who would later gather for class meetings to continue to learn about God’s love,they were a great treasure. Wesley was able to see the lives changed when a man quit drinking, when a young woman gained courage, when small communities began caring for one another.
He was not overly focused on that which did not work. He was focused on that feeling, that knowledge of God’s love which transformed his life. Wesley came home from Georgia a completely defeated man. The woman of his affections accepted the offer of engagement from another man. He was to be arrested by the local governor for having failed to serve communion to said woman. His dream of holiness for the Native Americans and for the colonists was a complete failure. So it is no wonder what a life changing event it was for him to know that God loved him. He described that day as May 24, 1738 when at a prayer meeting he felt his heart strangely warmed. From that point on in his life his sole ambition was to help others to know as he did that he was a loved child of God.
Wesley was a fantastic failure.
His sermons at Oxford were unpopular.
He was run out of Georgia.
Local priest hated him, villages ran him out of town.
His marriage fell apart.
He failed to get a Bishop to ordain preachers for America.
His movement split into multiple fractions upon his death.
Wesley’s life was dependent upon grace.
Wesley held a passion for the knowledge that we are “saved by grace through faith.” His only desire in life was that others would know that same truth. It was something so valuable it was worth many failed efforts in the midst of many other successful ones.
While he gathered thousands for a sermon, the vast majority would later ignore or ridicule him, but those few, those precious few who would later gather for class meetings to continue to learn about God’s love,they were a great treasure. Wesley was able to see the lives changed when a man quit drinking, when a young woman gained courage, when small communities began caring for one another.
He was not overly focused on that which did not work. He was focused on that feeling, that knowledge of God’s love which transformed his life. Wesley came home from Georgia a completely defeated man. The woman of his affections accepted the offer of engagement from another man. He was to be arrested by the local governor for having failed to serve communion to said woman. His dream of holiness for the Native Americans and for the colonists was a complete failure. So it is no wonder what a life changing event it was for him to know that God loved him. He described that day as May 24, 1738 when at a prayer meeting he felt his heart strangely warmed. From that point on in his life his sole ambition was to help others to know as he did that he was a loved child of God.
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