Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Seven Last Words of Christ: “Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise” - Luke 23:32-43 and Matthew 20:1-16

Introduction
Today we are going to continue our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ as we examine the power and impact these words can have on our lives. Last week we began with Jesus' first words on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” as we looked to the incredible act of forgiveness to better understand it, see what Jesus intended it to look like, and ways we can move towards that kind of mindset ourselves. Today we will look at the next phrase, “Today you will be with Me in paradise” as we seek to understand faith and how that provides us grace, hope, and forgiveness.

A Tale of Two Thieves
Our Scripture lesson from the Gospel of Luke describes a Friday in the city of Jerusalem. Outside the city wall, just north of the Damascus Gate, in a place long reserved for public executions, three crosses stand beside a road. A crowd has gathered this day. Not that crucifixion was unusual. But this day is different. An unusual man is being crucified. He wasn’t an ordinary criminal—not a thief or a murderer or a pickpocket. In fact, there were those who thought He wasn’t guilty at all. But there He was on the middle cross. And on either side, two men were crucified with Him.

Who were those two thieves that day? The translators use different words to describe them, “Thieves, robbers, malefactors, bandits.” Luke’s word means “members of the criminal class, professional criminals, members of the underworld.” Tradition suggests that these men were political revolutionaries bent on overthrowing the yoke of Roman rule. Beyond that, we know little else. We don’t know their names or their hometowns or the specific crimes committed. We assume that they had been partners in crime, but that is not certain. Some suggest they were brothers, but there is no way to be sure.

We would not know them at all except for this: They are supporting players in the greatest drama of all time, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It may appear that these two men are exactly alike. They were both criminals who were sentenced to die together at the same time at the same place on the same day. Both had been severely beaten before they were crucified, both were stripped naked before the leering crowd, both were covered with blood and dirt. Both men were dying and both would soon be dead. No surface differences to be seen.

But in reality, no two men could be more different. These two men who were crucified beside Jesus differed on one main point: How they viewed the man in the middle. They saw him differently and asked him for different things. One man wanted escape, not forgiveness; the other wanted forgiveness, not escape.

The Amazing Faith of Thief #2
Pause with me and let us look together at the man who wanted forgiveness. Was any man ever in a more desperate situation? Brutally crucified, he is dying in agony for sins he had committed, crimes he had done. He is a guilty man justly punished. He deserves to die and he knows it. By sundown, he will be dead. And at the last moment he makes one final appeal to the man hanging next to him: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (42)

I submit to you that here we have the most amazing example of saving faith in all the Bible. No man ever looked less like a king than Jesus did that day, yet this man saw him as he really was. Jesus is hanging on a cross, most of the disciples long gone into hiding and the crowd gathered round that day intent on mocking him. Yet it is here that this thief comes to faith. Somehow this man saw a bleeding Jesus and believed that he would someday come in his kingdom.

It’s incredibly amazing when you consider that this man had none of the advantages the disciples had – he probably never heard Jesus teach, watch him heal, or multiply bread to feed thousands. He missed all the outward signs of Jesus’ kingship. Yet he believed. He knew nothing of the virgin birth, the Old Testament prophecies, the conversation with Nicodemus or the raising of Lazarus just one week earlier. The coming miracle of the resurrection was unknown to him. All the things we take for granted, he knew nothing about.

Saved at the Last Second
Yet there on the cross, he came to understand the heart of the gospel. In that light his words seem all the more remarkable. He defended Jesus to the other criminal: “This man has done nothing wrong” and then proceeds to ask Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” It is the modest prayer of a man who knows he does not deserve what he is asking for.

His prayer is a bit unusual. But it reminds us that God judges the sincerity of our hearts and not the accuracy of our words. The thief didn’t know what to say, but he certainly directed his words at the right person. When he said, “Jesus, remember me,” he didn’t know all that he was asking for; before sundown he received far more than he expected. This thief on the cross was dying for his sins—a guilty man justly punished. He cried out to Jesus and at the very last second he was saved.

A Promise in Three Parts
How do we know this thief was saved? By Jesus’ response: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus answered his request by giving him a promise with three parts:

1. Immediate Salvation. In the Greek the word “Today” is first for special emphasis. Meaning: “This very day.” Wherever “paradise” is, Jesus told the thief that he was going there that very day.

2. Personal Salvation. Again, the Greek words are very important. The phrase is met emou, which means, “to be with me in a very personal way.” It is not “You over there and me over here” but “You and me together, side by side.” It means to be in the personal presence of another person. Wherever Jesus was going, this thief would be right by his side.

3. Heavenly Salvation. “Paradise” is the crucial word. The scholars tell us that it originally referred to the walled gardens of the Persian kings. When a king wanted to honor his subjects, he would invite them to walk with him in his garden in the cool of the day. This same word was used in the Greek Old Testament to refer to the Garden of Eden; in the book of Revelation (2:7) it refers to heaven: a place of beauty, openness and inexpressible blessedness.

If you take these three promises together, you see what a remarkable thing Jesus is saying. He is promising that this thief—who has lived his entire life in crime—will, upon his death, be transferred to a place where he will be in the personal presence of Jesus Christ. Truly, this thief received much more than he asked for.
Out of a life of sin and shame, he passed immediately into eternal blessedness.

Lessons of Hope and Encouragement
As I reflect on this story, I take from it a couple of lessons of hope and encouragement:

1. It is never too late to turn to Christ. Sometimes people say, “I’m too old for this” or “I’m too old to try that.” Sometimes it may be true on the physical level. As you get older, there are some things you just can’t do any more. But thank God, no one can ever say that about turning to Jesus. It’s never too late to turn to him. As long as there is life and breath, as long as the heart still beats, the invitation still stands.

Those of us who are praying for our loved ones should take great hope from this principle. Sometimes we look at people and say, “They are just too far gone. They will never come to Jesus.” Then we get discouraged and stop praying for them. But if this story teaches us anything, it is that no one is ever too far gone. It’s true, he waited until the very last second . . . but it’s also true that in that last second he was saved. Don’t ever give up on those you love. They may, like this wretched thief, waste a lifetime and then at the end turn to Jesus Christ. Don’t despair . . . for yourself or for anyone else. It’s never too late to turn to Christ.

2. Even the very worst can be saved at the very last moment. I know that some people feel that they are too far gone in sin to ever be forgiven. Some feel so enslaved by their habits that they despair of ever being set free. Many people would do anything to be forgiven but they think that forgiveness is impossible. Let me put the matter plainly. It doesn’t matter what sins you’ve committed. It doesn’t even matter if you’ve broken the Ten Commandments—all of them, one by one—this week. It just doesn’t matter. You can be saved right now. If this man can be saved, anybody can be saved. If there’s hope for him, there’s hope for you. If he can make it to heaven, so can you. If Jesus would take him, he’ll certainly take you.

I do not mean to suggest that anyone should wait until the last moment to be saved. Far less do I intend to suggest that anyone should live an intentionally sinful life with the purpose of coming to Christ just before you die. People who live that way aren’t serious about salvation. They are putting off until tomorrow that which they ought to do today. I’m sure if we could speak to this thief who was crucified with Jesus, he would say, “Don’t delay. Don’t wait. Give your heart to Jesus now.” But the fact remains, that this thief was indeed saved at the very last moment. Thank God it is so. It happened by the grace of Jesus Christ.

3. God’s way are not our ways. In our first Scripture lesson this morning, Jesus told the parable of the vineyard workers where those who were hired late in the day were paid the same amount as those who had been hired for all day. And at the end of the day, those who had been there all the time complained about the unfairness of it all. And the vineyard owner responded saying: "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?'” Sometimes Christians have this sense of jealousy when they have served Christ all their life and someone else is given the gift of eternal life after professing faith at the last possible minute. While that might seem true on the surface, undoubtedly the other person’s life would have been better had they the comfort of walking with Christ throughout their life. We should rejoice though that God doesn’t handle things according to our own sense of fairness and righteousness. Let us give God praise that His ways are far beyond our own - that God is motivated by grace and love and mercy – that even those who turn their hearts to God with the last breath of their life receive salvation from sins and life eternal.

Conclusion
I take my stand with the second thief upon the cross. For we all get to heaven the same way, by the grace and mercy of God. Over two hundred years ago William Cowper wrote a famous hymn that includes a verse about the dying thief. To my knowledge, this is the only hymn that mentions this man:

There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel’s veins.
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see, That fountain in his day.
And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away.

All that God wants from us . . . and all that He will accept . . . is simple faith in His son, Jesus Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, in that very moment we are saved. The point is simple. Do you know Jesus? Do you really know Jesus? Seize today to make yourself sure. Humble yourself and thank Christ for His sacrifice, ask Christ to renew His presence in your life. Do not question, do not wonder, make certain you know the Savior.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Bible Challenge 03/27 - 04/02

Greetings All!

I want to start by encouraging each of you to keep on with the reading. This material can be difficult at times. In that vain, I want to offer you a piece of advice. If you miss a day(s) do not play catch up. When you get behind, understanding that 4 chapters a day can add up fast, then try to play catch up, that can seem overwhelming. The temptation then becomes to quit. Do not quit! Just pick back up the next day and start there. Read as much as you can, read as often as you can, and listen all you can. This is meant as a blessing not a source of stress.

Now that you are all encouraged....

This week we are wrapping up Exodus and moving into Leviticus. We pick up the narrative with the Israelites are still at Mount Siani and Moses is still spending time in God's presence. We move through the experiences of Moses needing to cover his face because his skin was shining, the making of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, and then enter into Leviticus. This is the book that invites God's people into holiness.

Here is the schedule:

3/27, Sunday: Exodus 31-34

3/28, Monday: Exodus 35-38

3/29, Tuesday: Exodus 39 - Leviticus 2

3/30, Wednesday: Leviticus 3-6

3/31, Thursday: Leviticus 7-10

4/1, Friday: Leviticus 11-14

4/2, Saturday: Leviticus 15-18
 
Be Blessed!

Friday, March 25, 2011

April 2011 Sunshine Herald

Hot off the press!  Enjoy!







AprilNwsLtr11

Friday Fives

1. Preaching Series - This week we will continue our preaching series on The Seven Last Words of Christ. Come and join us as we explore the phrase, "Today you will be with Me in paradise" to better understand faith and how that provides us grace, hope, and forgiveness.

2. New Picture Directory - We are in the process of putting together a new picture directory for Druid Hills UMC! A picture directory is a wonderful way for us to put names with faces and have contact information so we can keep in contact with each other.

In order for us to efficiently publish a new directory, we need some information from you. For the next several Sundays, we will place information sheets in the Sanctuary for you to fill out so you can be included in the directory. If you would make sure you fill one out and either drop it in the offering plate or drop it by the office by April 17th it would be greatly appreciated.

Our directory will not be complete without you!

3. New Bible Study - Next Thursday, 3/31, we will begin a new Lenten Bible Study. We will watch clips of the Franco Zeffirelli film, Jesus of Nazareth, and then discuss several aspects of Christ as love; the power, authority and nourishment of love, love rejected and condemned, love to the end, and the victory of love.

This free study will be offered on Thursdays at 10am and 7pm, March 31st - April 21st. I pray you will all join me as we examine the life, ministry, and example of our Risen Savior!

4. Got Grandkids? – The Florida United Methodist Youth Camp is hosting their annual Grandparents and Me Summer Camp this year on June 27-30 and July 18-21, at the Warren Willis Youth camp in Leesburg.  The theme this year is "Got Spirit?  WE DO!"  If you have grandkids and are looking for a fun and exciting way to spend some time together I encourage you to consider this.  You can find out more information by stopping by the office to pick up a registration form, visiting them online at www.lecretreats.org, emailing Lori at lbuonasera@flumc.org, or calling Lori at 352-787-0313.


5. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have three members that have reached out and began weekly visits to three different facilities. We also have a group of people that have formed to begin visits with a fifth facility. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.

Have an incredible weekend and see you Sunday!


Sunday, March 20, 2011

The Last Words of Christ: Forgive Them! - Matthew 18:21-35 and Luke 23:32-38

Introduction
Two weeks ago we began the season of Lent on a Wednesday evening as we participated in an Ash Wednesday service together. For the next five weeks we are going to take a look at the last seven words of Christ; Father, forgive them for they know not what they do, today you will be with me in paradise, woman behold your son, son behold your mother, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, and I am thirsty, it is finished, and into your hands I commend my spirit, to look at the power and impact these words can have on our lives.

Today we will begin with Jesus' first words on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” as we look to the incredible act of forgiveness to better understand it, see what Jesus intended it to look like, and ways we can move towards that kind of mindset ourselves.

She Missed It
Perhaps some of you have heard the story about a woman who was rushed to the emergency room because she was quite ill. After a battery of tests, the resident on duty told her "I have both good news and bad news. The good news is that I have found out why you are ill. The bad news is that you have an advanced case of rabies, for which there is no treatment or cure." The woman was pained at first, but she quickly became resigned and asked the doctor for a pad of paper. Then she began to cover the pages with writing very quickly. The doctor was understandably curious and asked if she was writing her last will and testament. The woman replied, "No, I am not drafting my will--I am writing down the names of my relatives I want to bite before I die."

It is a safe assumption that this woman has not stood at the foot of the cross. Her witness was not a reflection of God's forgiving love. For how many of us does this describe where we are on our journey with the reality of forgiveness?

He Said What?!
Forgiveness is that act that Christ tells Peter in our first Scripture lesson to extend, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22b, NRSV). Other translations say “not seven but seventy times seven.” The exact mathematical number is not important because the number seven is understood as the number of completeness, so what Christ is telling Peter is that he is to forgive his brothers and sisters as many times as necessary. Not content to leave it there Christ continues with what we know as the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Basically, long story short, when one man is forgiven an impossible debt by his king, and is immediately offered the opportunity to extend that same kind of grace to another neighbor, he fails. In fact he not only denies forgiveness, that same forgiveness that was just given him, but demands immediate satisfaction. Consequently, the king finds out about this and revokes his mercy and throws this person in jail to be tortured till he can repay. Jesus finished this parable by saying, “So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart” (Matthew 18:35, NRSV).

It is easy for us to translate this to our own lives, seeing the King as Christ, the servant as ourselves, and the neighbor as any person that is indebted to us in any manner. The difficulty comes with the actual practice. When someone physically bumps into to me in public and says, 'oh forgive me' or 'I’m sorry' it is very easy for me to never give it another thought. When someone cuts me off in traffic, it takes a bit more energy, but forgiveness is quickly given and the incident forgotten. But what about those acts that we consider as unforgivable.

How do you forgive the unforgivable? Sometimes I wish that I could invite the whole congregation to come into my office and sit for one week. Just to sit in the corner and listen to the people who come through my office. Listen to all the phone calls. Read the letters I get. An unending series of heartbreaking problems. Divorce. Broken homes. Broken marriages. Broken promises. Children estranged from their parents. Parents estranged from their children. Longtime friends who don't speak to each other anymore. People who have lost their jobs because someone cheated them. People who have lost their fortunes because someone did them wrong. Families that don't even speak at Christmastime because they hate each other so much. How do you forgive in a situation like that? How do you forgive when by definition what has happened to you is unforgivable?

He Nailed It
Many years ago, pre-Parker and Wesley, Debbie and I took our youth group to a Steven Curtis Chapman concert in Fort Myers. Steven is a contemporary Christian recording artist that has been successful for many, many years, in fact so long that he is now crossing generations.

One of the songs that was a part of this concert tour was entitled, No Greater Love. This song is about the idea that there is no greater love than laying your life down so another person might come to have a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The song talks about the wondrous and awesome gift Jesus gave to us by laying His life down so that we might have eternal life.

The chorus goes, “There is no greater love than this; There is no greater gift that can ever be given; To be willing to die, so another might live; There is no greater love than this. Now this song by itself is tremendous. The music, the lyrics, the whole piece. There is even a man chanting in a tribal language at the beginning and end of the song. This night as we were listening to the end, and what we thought was a recording of the tribal chant, a man named Mincaye came out on stage...chanting. He was the man whose voice is on the album and he was there doing the chant live.

Some of you may know of the famous story concerning Nick Saint and his missionary team. They were sent to South America to share the love of Christ with a very hostile and dangerous tribe of Auca Indians in 1956. These Indians did not like, welcome, or want strangers. In fact they were noted for killing anybody that came into their territory that were not a part of their tribe. Nick and his group went anyway. After much time, careful progress, staying in their own camp, and only going as far as the Aucas gave them permission, Nick thought he had built a solid enough relationship with the Aucas. He was wrong. One night while Nick and his companions were sleeping at their campsite, a contingent from the Auca tribe infiltrated the camp and killed them. Since then, other missionaries followed in their footsteps and were successful in converting many of the Auca Indians to the Christian faith. But the most amazing part of this story occurred when Nick's son, Steve Saint, was baptized by the very man who had tragically killed his own father.

At our concert, soon after Mincaye came out on stage chanting his portion of the song, another man came out. Steve Saint. Mr. Saint was traveling the country with Steven Curtis Chapman and Mincaye, telling this story. Telling of how Steve not only forgave the man that murdered his father, but had been baptized by him and befriended him. Instead of buying a gun and taking his revenge, he forgave. You can only forgive like that when you have stood at the foot of the cross.

Jesus as the Model
Our second Scripture lesson this morning gives us the model for the type of forgiveness Steve Saint gave to Mincaye. As our story begins we find Jesus at Golgotha. He has already been beaten, whipped, and tortured. Then, in this weakened state, Jesus was forced to carry a cross that a healthy person would have struggled to carry through town and up this hill. Now Jesus is crucified having spikes drove through his flesh, nailing him to the cross. I can only imagine the pain of all of this. Anyone who has watched the movie, The Passion of the Christ, those scenes of Jesus being tortured and crucified are thought to be fairly accurate. Every time I watch it, I cringe, I flinch, I turn away, and I cry. The pain had to be immense, but even more that than that, I think about the fact that all of that was done for me...for you. Jesus did not deserve any of that pain, torture, or humiliation. Jesus did not commit any crime, act, or deed to warrant that type of treatment. But he willingly endured all of it anyway. Out of love. Out of obedience. Out of forgiveness.

John Wesley writes in his notes that, “While they are actually nailing him to the cross, he seems to feel the injury they did to their own souls, more than the wounds they gave him; and, as it were, to forget his own anguish out of a concern for their own salvation.” Can you imagine? Can you fathom? Could you feel that way?

We know this to be true because of the first of Jesus' last seven words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus is more worried about how these acts will affect the people doing them, than the immense pain He is experiencing. He is more worried about their souls rather than the spikes piercing His skin. He is more concerned about what is at stake for them, rather than the fact that the pain and ridicule He is going through is for them and they are not grateful.

Conclusion
As I was preparing for this message, I was going through an old book about Luke, given to me by a retired pastor. This pastor had underlined a section that I want to read to you.

“Jesus said many wonderful things, but rarely anything more wonderful
than, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Christian forgiveness is an amazing thing. When Stephen was being stoned to
death he too prayed, “Lord, do not hold this against them.” (Acts 7:60.)
There is nothing so lovely and so rare as Christian forgiveness”.

Then in the margin this pastor wrote, “amazing grace”. When you look at Christ, hanging on the cross what do you see? Do you see a beaten and broken body? Do you see an innocent man suffering? Or do you see love? Mercy? Amazing grace? My challenge for all of us is to work towards being able to offer this type of unmerited, undeserved, unthinkable forgiveness to others. To the people that hurt you, to the people that caused you pain, to the people that treat you badly and you do not know why. Christ instructed us to forgive seventy seven times, or as many times as is necessary. Then he went out and did that very thing Himself. Are you ready to forgive like that? Christ forgave you in the past, forgives you today, and will forgive you tomorrow. Go out and do the same. Go out and give that same unmerited, undeserved, and unthinkable forgiveness to others. Not because you have too, but because God has worked within you, because God has transformed you...because God loves you!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Bible Challenge 03/20 - 03/26

Greetings All!

This week we enter the second book of the Torah, Exodus. This book details the accounts of the Israelites as they escape Pharaoh and begin to build their own society. We are also introduced to Moses and the wonderful impact his faithfulness had on the people he led. Here is the schedule for the week:

3/20, Sunday: Exodus 3-6

3/21, Monday: Exodus 7-10

3/22, Tuesday: Exodus 11-14

3/23, Wednesday: Exodus 15-18

3/24, Thursday: Exodus 19-22

3/25, Friday: Exodus 23-26

3/26, Saturday: Exodus 27-30

Be Blessed!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Pray for Japan


I had someone call me yesterday and express a desire to help those in Japan.  There are two ways that we can help immediately.  One is to pray.  Please be in intentional prayer for the people, the aid workers, and government leaders as they seek to restore balance, help those trapped and lost, and ignite a sense of hope for those affected.  Another is to donate money to UMCOR, United Methodist Committee on Relief, advance number 3021317.  If you want to read more about UMCOR, this disaster, and ways we as United Methodists are helping click here

If you would like to donate you may do so through the church, by making your check out to Druid Hills UMC and then we will write one check to UMCOR and mail it out.  So I ask that you please join me in prayer for this disaster and for ways that God might be leading you to help.

Spring Forward

Just a reminder that tonight when you go to bed, remember to set your clocks ahead one hour.


Bible Challenge 03/13 - 03/19

Greetings All!

We have begun the Old Testament and I pray you are enjoying reading through Genesis. Those stories reveal some of the great heroes of the faith. This week we conclude Genesis as we read about the death of Abraham, the lives of Isaac and Jacob, Joseph's journey and rise to power, Joseph's reunion with his biological family, and the death of Jacob and Joseph. Here is the schedule for the week:

3/13, Sunday: Genesis 25-28

3/14, Monday: Genesis 29-32

3/15, Tuesday: Genesis 33-36

3/16, Wednesday: Genesis 37-40

3/17, Thursday: Genesis 41-44

3/18, Friday: Genesis 45-48

3/19, Saturday: Genesis 49 - Exodus 2

Be Blessed!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday Fives


1. Preaching Series - This Sunday F.I.A. or Faith In Action will lead us in worship.  Since this will be the first Sunday in Lent that will be the theme of worship.  Please come out and support these ladies as they help lead us into an experience of God.




2. Lenten Preaching Series - Our Lenten preaching series, which will begin on March 20th, will focus on the seven last words of Christ.  I encourage you to join us in worship as we look to the impact those words had then and now and what we can take to this world to transform it for God's glory.



3. Lent – This past Wednesday we hosted an Ash Wednesday Service in the Sanctuary.  We spoke about the idea of forgiveness that is possible through Jesus Christ.  I encourage all of you to participate in some of the Lenten rituals, fasting, sacrifice, prayer, and meditation, to help draw yourself closer to God.  This season is about reflection, introspection, and transformation.  I pray these next 40 days are powerful for you and that you feel God's blessing throughout!
 


4. Got Grandkids? – The Florida United Methodist Youth Camp is hosting their annual Grandparents and Me Summer Camp this year on June 27-30 and July 18-21, at the Warren Willis Youth camp in Leesburg.  The theme this year is "Got Spirit?  WE DO!"  If you have grandkids and are looking for a fun and exciting way to spend some time together I encourage you to consider this.  You can find out more information by stopping by the office to pick up a registration form, visiting them online at www.lecretreats.org, emailing Lori at lbuonasera@flumc.org, or calling Lori at 352-787-0313.


5. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have three members that have reached out and began weekly visits to three different facilities. We also have a group of people that have formed to begin visits with a fifth facility. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.

Have an incredible weekend and see you Sunday!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Ash Wednesday Service

Greetings All!

I want to invite you to our Ash Wednesday Service tomorrow at 6pm in the Sanctuary. As we prepare to begin this journey of Lent I cannot think of a better way to start than within community. We will gather and sing a couple of hymns, hear Scripture, and listen to a brief meditation. You will also have the chance to have ashes imposed on your forehead in the symbol of a cross. The service will end in a prayerful manner as the altar rail will be opened for you to pray at as long as you wish.

This will be a wonderful time for you to calm your spirit and focus on the season ahead. It will help to prepare you to experience Christ anew this Lenten season.

I pray you will join me tomorrow and take advantage of this opportunity.

Blessings,

The Refuge Foundation

We received this in the office today and I wanted to pass it along to you for your consideration!




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Sunday, March 6, 2011

Ten Commandments: Jesus' Response – John 14:1-7 and Mark 12:28-34

Introduction
Today we are going to conclude our journey through the Ten Commandments as we have been seeking to build a foundation that will be of benefit to us when we are searching for stability in this life, especially when we find ourselves in a vulnerable state. Four weeks ago as we began this journey we looked at the idea of Sabbath; specifically, what it is, the dangers of distorting it, and why it is so important in our lives. Three weeks ago, we looked at the aspect of reverence that is conveyed by the first three commandments and why exactly does our self-described jealous God demand these ideals, then and now, and how we can emulate that attitude. Two weeks ago we spent our time reflecting on the idea of honor in the fifth commandment; what is honor, who should we honor, and how can we honor. Last week our focus was to examine all of those “thou shalt not” commandments to better see if those were simply extinct laws for an ancient time or do they still have any bearing upon us today. Today we are going to put a bow on this whole series as we look to what Jesus' response is to these laws; specifically, has Christ rejected them, enforced them, or changed them.

First Looks Can Be Deceiving
In his book Laughing Out Loud and Other Religious Experiences, Tom Mullen tells about an engineer, a psychologist, and a theologian who were on a hunting trip in northern Canada. They knocked on the door of an isolated cabin seeking shelter and rest. The cabin was not, at the moment, occupied, but the front door was unlocked. They entered the small, two-room cabin and noticed something quite unusual. A large potbellied, cast-iron stove was suspended in mid-air by wires attached to the ceiling beams.

Why would a stove be elevated from the floor? Each of them began to look behind the phenomenon for "hidden meanings." The psychologist concluded, "It is obvious that this lonely trapper, isolated from humanity, has elevated his stove so he can curl up under it and vicariously experience a return to his mother''s womb."

The engineer surmised, "The man is practicing laws of thermodynamics. By elevating his stove, he has discovered a way to distribute heat more evenly throughout the cabin."

But the theologian had a better explanation. "I'm sure that hanging his stove from the ceiling has a religious meaning. Fire lifted up has been a religious symbol for centuries."

The psychologist, the engineer, and the theologian continued their debate for some time without really resolving the issue. Finally, when the trapper returned, they immediately asked him why he had hung his potbellied stove by wires from the ceiling. His answer was rather simple: "Had plenty of wire, not much stovepipe!"

Today we are looking at the effect Jesus has on the Ten Commandments. An effect, that much like the assumptions of the psychologist, engineer, and theologian, may not always be exactly what it seems.

A Look Back
As we look to what Jesus' response is to these laws I want us to very briefly look back at the main points we have hit on these last several weeks. Here is a kind of a highlight reel for what we have discussed about the Ten Commandments.

The nation of Israel had just been delivered from the harsh life they had experienced in Egypt. A harsh life that began when a Pharaoh came to power who did not know Joseph. A Pharaoh that began to say all sorts of false things about the Jews in Egypt, turning them into a scapegoat for all the problems of Egypt. They were then stripped of their dignity and eventually were enslaved.

Now after 400 years of slavery and having a dictator make all of their decisions, this fledgeling community was on their own. Forced not only to make decisions on their own, but to live or die by those decisions. These people were learning how to be a family, how to be a community, and how to be God's chosen people. So God gave them some rules to live by to help them in this transition. Rules focusing on reverence, Sabbath, honor, and conduct.

Reverence
The first ideal we discussed was the idea of reverence as outlined in the first three commandments. Why would our self-described jealous God demand reverence? Because, "...when we read that God is jealous, it is the zeal of His love that makes Him so...He is jealous of anything that menaces our well-being, not for His sake but for ours. He is jealous of others gods, not because they threaten Him...but because they threaten us. When Israel was guilty of idolatry it was Israel who suffered, and God's jealousy was His distress at her folly and His sorrow at her suffering. His desire was to have her worship only the highest and the noblest. He was jealous of the false gods she went after because they were not worthy of her. He thought more highly of His people than they did of themselves. They were too easily pleased. It was only in Him, their Creator and Savior, that they could know their chief end and greatest good...What He wished to give them, and what He wanted them to want, was Himself." God knew the good and the blessing that God could provide them if they would just follow God and give their reverence to God. So it was in their best interest to defeat the ego and give God that deep respect tinged with a sense of awe.

Sabbath
That leads us to Sabbath. Remember Sabbath is that day we are to set apart as holy, that day to be kept different from all the other days. It has been said, “...our great-grandfathers called it the holy Sabbath; our grandfathers, the Sabbath; our fathers, Sunday; but today we call it the weekend.” This is to be a holy day, not dictated by numerous laws and edicts, but rather a chance to realign ourselves with God, re-connect with God, and re-connect with each other. God rested on the seventh day not out of exhaustion, but to model for us a lifestyle we need to imitate. Sabbath is a day to be spent with God, making connections with family, and recharging our bodies to be effective disciples for Jesus Christ. And if you cannot observe Sunday as your Sabbath then pick another day, but make this the pattern not the exception.

Honor
Following these ideas we arrive at honor, specifically honor for your father and your mother. The Hebrew word for honor is kabod, which means “to be heavy or impressive.” This idea of heavy applies to the weight and amount of honor. Whomever the object of honor is, is to have great amounts of it heaped upon them. This person or persons are to be considered sacred and absolutely worthy of an enormous amount of glory and honor. This commandment is specific to fathers and mothers. There is no performance based stipulations that say honor your father and mother if they deserved it, or honor your father and mother only when you feel they honor you. This commandment stands irregardless of how you parents performed their duties in your eyes or anyone else's. You know God calls all of us to definitely treat our parents, and I believe all our elders and children, with respect. A respect that God has already given to us. We are not called to model anything that God has not already done. So even if undeserved, unwarranted, and extremely hard to give, honor your parents, honor each other, and by doing so you will honor God.

Thou Shalt Not!
This moves us into the last five, all of those “Thou Shalt Not” commandments. Last week we spoke about how these rules were a way for these early Israelites to build a community. God had to be sure they would not pull each other down, but build a caring, compassionate people and that everybody would be cared for in a gentle way. We talked about how we are called to treat each other in this same manner and how following these rules build for us a solid foundation in that vain.

Jesus' Response
Now, there has been some debate over the years about the role of Jesus in these commandments. Did Jesus make them obsolete and reject them? Did He further enforce them? Or did He change them all together?

To answer that we only need to look at Jesus' teachings. Specifically I want us to look at our second Scripture lesson today. At this point in Scripture Jesus has been questioned about a myriad of topics and finds Himself being asked about what is the greatest commandment, the one that is the most important. In this age there were more than just the Ten Commandments, there were now over 600 statutes. So it can get quite confusing for people to remember all of them. So this seems like a natural question and most scholars agree this particular teacher was sincere because Mark tells us this teacher believes that Jesus gave a good answer to the previous question asked. So he asks Jesus, “ 'Of all the commandments, which is the most important?' 'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.' “

In looking at this idea of loving God with all your being; your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and loving all people as you love yourself it does not sound like Jesus is making the Ten Commandments obsolete or that He is rejecting them. It sounds like Jesus is trying to help us re-focus on them. Jesus is taking those 600 or so laws and simplifying them, telling us that if we use these two commandments as the basis for our actions, our decisions, our lifestyle, then we will in fact not only honor God but will fall in line with the Ten Commandments. If you love other people as you love yourself, then you will not break the “Thou Shalt Not” commandments. Nor will you dishonor your father and mother. If you love God with all your being, then you are fulfilling the first three commandments talking about reverence. And if you follow those first three commandments to honor God then you will want to spend time with God, thereby making Sabbath a natural part of your week.

So if Jesus is not rejecting these laws, is he enforcing these ideals or changing them? You see these laws, these Ten Commandments, were not meant to be the last word for all eternity. That word is Jesus. Jesus came in the flesh to give us a new way to see these commandments. Jesus is now the law. A law that is not built on works or deeds, but on grace, on mercy and in love. Jesus came to give us a new way to view the Ten Commandments, a way not of legalities but of grace. Jesus did not repeal or change the Ten Commandments but rather gave us a new lens to view them. Their initial purpose was to help a fledgeling community grow together, but they still offer wonderful wisdom for today and in the words of Christ we find support for their continued practice.

Conclusion
Therefore, looking through that new lens Jesus gave us, we understand that Jesus came to show us that we are no longer judged on who we are or how we act, but who we follow. So who do you follow? Who do your actions say that you follow? I encourage all of you to take some time, really take some time, and think about that question.

Does the manner in which you treat others, show them Jesus is your Lord? Do you treat others with love, regardless of whether or not they deserve it? Remember, the grace and mercy and love God shows you is not deserved. It is a gift. A gift that when accepted will transform you forever. A gift that when shared with others will transform the world. Is Jesus your Lord, at all times, in all circumstances, and in all spaces? I hope so, but if not, then change that today. Pray, talk to Jesus, open yourself up to be transformed. Pray at home, pray at this rail, pray in your quiet place. But do not let pride stop you, do not let feelings of hurt from the past rob you, do not let ego force you to miss out on the joy of love. Jesus came to give us a new way, a better way. Seize today, claim that way for yourself and be forever changed!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Bible Challenge 03/06 - 03/12

Greetings!

You did it!! You finished the New Testament and it is only March!! You should be proud of yourself and the bonus is the blessings you all have received from spending time in the Word.

This week we have one day where we finish Revelation, then it is on to the Old Testament. We naturally begin with Genesis and will cover some great concepts and stories in this week. We will read about Creation, original sin, Noah and the flood, the life of Abram and Sarai, who would later become Abraham and Sarah, and the birth of Isaac. These are foundational stories to our faith and I know you will be blessed by them. Here is the schedule:

3/6, Sunday: Revelation 19-22

3/7, Monday: Genesis 1-4

3/8, Tuesday: Genesis 5-8

3/9, Wednesday: Genesis 9-12

3/10, Thursday: Genesis 13-16

3/11, Friday: Genesis 17-20

3/12, Saturday: Genesis 21-24

Enjoy and be blessed!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Friday Fives



1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we will conclude our preaching series focusing on the Ten Commandments. Over the past several weeks we have looked at the ideas of Sabbath, reverence, honor, and behavior to see what they have to say to us now in this era.  Sunday we will wrap the series up by looking at Christ's response to these Mosiac Laws to see of Jesus rejected these laws, encouraged these laws, or even changed them. Invite a friend and I hope to see all of you there! 


2. Ash Wednesday – This Wednesday,  March 9th, at 6pm will we have an Ash Wednesday Service in the Sanctuary.  I encourage and invite everyone to come out and begin the season of Lent together.  We will sing, read Scripture, and share in having palm ashes placed on our foreheads in the symbol of a cross.  Invite a friend and come and share in the hope we have in Christ!


Go to full-size image3. Five Way Chili Dinner - Tomorrow, Saturday March 5, 2011 from 5 to 7 pm, in Fellowship Hall we will host a Five Way Chili Dinner. The profits from this dinner will help to fund our Easter Tableau.  Tickets are available for sale in the Church Office, may be purchased from Eunice Reid on a Sunday morning, and will also be available at the door. Advance ticket purchase would be appreciated to help determine how much chili will be needed.  Price is $8 per person. 

There will also be a Variety Show immediately following the 5 Way Chili Dinner at approximately 6:30 pm. Got a talent you can share? We want to see it! For additional info, please ask Peggy Sue.  Mark your calendars and I hope to see you there!
 


4. Got Grandkids? – The Florida United Methodist Youth Camp is hosting their annual Grandparents and Me Summer Camp this year on June 27-30 and July 18-21, at the Warren Willis Youth camp in Leesburg.  The theme this year is "Got Spirit?  WE DO!"  If you have grandkids and are looking for a fun and exciting way to spend some time together I encourage you to consider this.  You can find out more information by stopping by the office to pick up a registration form, visiting them online at www.lecretreats.org, emailing Lori at lbuonasera@flumc.org, or calling Lori at 352-787-0313.


5. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have three members that have reached out and began weekly visits to three different facilities. We also have a group of people that have formed to begin visits with a fifth facility. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.

Have an incredible weekend and see you Sunday!