This week we are continuing our study of Romans 13:1-7. So far in our study we have seen that the basic attitude of the Christian toward government should be one of submission. Government is something designed by God to punish evil doers and administer justice. As Christians, we should, as a general principle, submit to its authority. As the text says, "there is no authority except that which God has established."
The next thing we discovered was that the Bible teaches that governing authorities have responsibilities that come from God...and which they will be accountable to God for fulfilling. We discovered that government is to be for the good of the people. It should enact and enforce just and righteous laws. It should be concerned for the poor and powerless in society. In a democracy, Christians have a role to play in assuring that government fulfills its responsibilities.
This week we are going to look at another aspect of the relationship of the Christian to government. The question we are going to be asking is, "If the basic attitude of the Christian to civil authorities is to be one of submission, is there ever a time when the Christian should defy governmental authority?"
Showing posts with label Sermon Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sermon Thoughts. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
How Did it Happen?
While doing my study of Romans in preparation for this week's sermon, I came across something that really made me pause. I'm not sure that I'm even going to bring it up on Sunday, but it has caused me to follow a line of study personally that I think I'll write some posts about.
Paul is dealing with the fact that most of the Jews of his day rejected the gospel message. In Romans 10:18 he asks the question: Did they not hear (the gospel)? His answer is "Of course they did." Then Paul quotes Psalm 19:4: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world."
The astonishing thing to me is that Psalm 19:1-6 is about the stars and sun proclaiming the character of God. What Paul is claiming is that by the time of the writing of Romans (somewhere between 55-57 A.D), the gospel message had been so widely proclaimed among the Jews that it was like the stars or the sun...known by everyone. Paul says a similar thing in Colossians 1:23. While there is a degree of hyperbole in his statement, it is still amazing that the gospel message had become so widespread in 20-30 years that Paul could make these statements.
It made me wonder what it was about the early church that made it so effective and powerful. What were its secrets? How did it happen? How can we recapture the power of the early church?
Over the next several weeks, I hope to share some of the things I come up with as I study the Scriptures. Then will come the adventure of seeing them come to pass in our lives together.
Paul is dealing with the fact that most of the Jews of his day rejected the gospel message. In Romans 10:18 he asks the question: Did they not hear (the gospel)? His answer is "Of course they did." Then Paul quotes Psalm 19:4: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world."
The astonishing thing to me is that Psalm 19:1-6 is about the stars and sun proclaiming the character of God. What Paul is claiming is that by the time of the writing of Romans (somewhere between 55-57 A.D), the gospel message had been so widely proclaimed among the Jews that it was like the stars or the sun...known by everyone. Paul says a similar thing in Colossians 1:23. While there is a degree of hyperbole in his statement, it is still amazing that the gospel message had become so widespread in 20-30 years that Paul could make these statements.
It made me wonder what it was about the early church that made it so effective and powerful. What were its secrets? How did it happen? How can we recapture the power of the early church?
Over the next several weeks, I hope to share some of the things I come up with as I study the Scriptures. Then will come the adventure of seeing them come to pass in our lives together.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Eye of the Tiger
He sat in my office the other day with a steely determination that brought goosebumps. "Pastor, do you have any idea how many hurting people I know? I'm going to singlehandedly force you to open the door." (The rear of our Sanctuary opens into the Fellowship Hall. The two rooms are divided by a twenty foot high folding door.) There was no hint of pride or arrogance. He understood that salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit. What I saw was a passion for the gospel and a determination to do whatever it takes to reach people for Christ. He would pray, he would build relationships, he would share his testimony, explain the gospel and exercise a holy boldness in order to see people discover a relationship with Christ.
He came close to the words of Paul in Romans 9:1-2. Paul found himself in constant internal agony because of the people he knew who hadn't turned to Christ. He was willing to do anything that people might come to faith in Christ.
Do you have that passion? Where does it come from? How do you develop it? We'll talk about it this Sunday.
What would happen if the whole church had that passion?
The early church did...and they turned their world upside down.
He came close to the words of Paul in Romans 9:1-2. Paul found himself in constant internal agony because of the people he knew who hadn't turned to Christ. He was willing to do anything that people might come to faith in Christ.
Do you have that passion? Where does it come from? How do you develop it? We'll talk about it this Sunday.
What would happen if the whole church had that passion?
The early church did...and they turned their world upside down.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
All Things Work for Good
Romans 8:28 is a verse that is one of the most familiar verses in the Bible. It adorns the refrigerators of Christians from Maine to California. Sometimes I wonder, though, if it is commonly understood in a way that actually undermines our belief in God.
For example, do we really think that all things work for good? Did Hurricane Katrina work for good? What about the flat tire you had last week? Or the job you just lost? Or the unemployment that just ran out? Or the cancer they just discovered?
If "good" somehow equates to "my benefit", then how do we deal with adversities that never seem to end?
It makes us wonder sometimes where God is.
I think that's because we don't understand the verse. As we catch a glimpse of what God is saying to us, I think we will be massively encouraged and motivated to worship Him.
Why not join us this week?
For example, do we really think that all things work for good? Did Hurricane Katrina work for good? What about the flat tire you had last week? Or the job you just lost? Or the unemployment that just ran out? Or the cancer they just discovered?
If "good" somehow equates to "my benefit", then how do we deal with adversities that never seem to end?
It makes us wonder sometimes where God is.
I think that's because we don't understand the verse. As we catch a glimpse of what God is saying to us, I think we will be massively encouraged and motivated to worship Him.
Why not join us this week?
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Part of the Grand Story
Tomorrow we inaugurate the 44th President of the United States. This event is always filled with meaning...and a wonderful demonstration of the health of our democracy. Once again, we will show the world that the people of the United States have chosen a new leader. And the old leader will step away from power and the bright lights to live as a citizen.
One of the things that makes this inauguration particularly meaningful is that the new President is African American. Standing in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial, Barak Obama talked about how American is still a place where anything is possible. For a large segment of the American population, whose heritage includes being enslaved, the fact that the President is African American carries with it a depth of emotion that is difficult for most white Americans to understand.
One of the things that it highlights is the fact that each of us wants our lives to be somehow connected to the "grand story" of our times and of history itself. We yearn to have significance in the world. We want our lives to count.
There are several tragedies in life. The first is to think that our lives are insignificant. That we are not important enough, strong enough, smart enough or talented enough to make a difference in the grand scheme of things. We live our lives on the sidelines, never getting involved, never taking risks to make things different than they are today. The end result is a life of boredom and shadow living.
The second tragedy is to decide that there is no real "grand story." The result is that we live without context, and without a need to make an impact in anyone's life. We choose to live selfishly, doing what benefits ourselves and gives little thought to other people. We'll cheat and lie and claw our way to what we want...all at the expense of others. It's an "eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" mentality. Such a person contributes little to the lives of others. A society of these people will only survive if the fences are tall and strong, because there will be no trust and no desire to know one's neighbor.
The third tragedy is invest one's life in the wrong "grand story." Think of those who invested their lives to create Nazi Germany or Stalinst Russia. These people generally felt that the time like they are causing humanity to "progress" when in actually they were ruining the lives of others. The destruction these people leave in their wakes staggers the imaginations. This is the tragedy of the instigators of 9/11.
This week we will be looking a the true grand story that we are all invited to be a part of. In Romans 8:18-25, Paul waxes almost poetic as he describes the reality of life. He speaks of the beginning and end of the story and helps us understand our important and vital role in the plot of this story. In fact, we have lead roles in this grand drama.
Come this Sunday and discover more.
One of the things that makes this inauguration particularly meaningful is that the new President is African American. Standing in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial, Barak Obama talked about how American is still a place where anything is possible. For a large segment of the American population, whose heritage includes being enslaved, the fact that the President is African American carries with it a depth of emotion that is difficult for most white Americans to understand.
One of the things that it highlights is the fact that each of us wants our lives to be somehow connected to the "grand story" of our times and of history itself. We yearn to have significance in the world. We want our lives to count.
There are several tragedies in life. The first is to think that our lives are insignificant. That we are not important enough, strong enough, smart enough or talented enough to make a difference in the grand scheme of things. We live our lives on the sidelines, never getting involved, never taking risks to make things different than they are today. The end result is a life of boredom and shadow living.
The second tragedy is to decide that there is no real "grand story." The result is that we live without context, and without a need to make an impact in anyone's life. We choose to live selfishly, doing what benefits ourselves and gives little thought to other people. We'll cheat and lie and claw our way to what we want...all at the expense of others. It's an "eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" mentality. Such a person contributes little to the lives of others. A society of these people will only survive if the fences are tall and strong, because there will be no trust and no desire to know one's neighbor.
The third tragedy is invest one's life in the wrong "grand story." Think of those who invested their lives to create Nazi Germany or Stalinst Russia. These people generally felt that the time like they are causing humanity to "progress" when in actually they were ruining the lives of others. The destruction these people leave in their wakes staggers the imaginations. This is the tragedy of the instigators of 9/11.
This week we will be looking a the true grand story that we are all invited to be a part of. In Romans 8:18-25, Paul waxes almost poetic as he describes the reality of life. He speaks of the beginning and end of the story and helps us understand our important and vital role in the plot of this story. In fact, we have lead roles in this grand drama.
Come this Sunday and discover more.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Why Can Things Be So Hard?
Over the last several weeks we have been looking at the incredible provisions that God has made for us. We have see how our Lord's death and resurrection defeated the power of sin. We have learned how the Holy Spirit has been given to us to guide and empower us in holy living. Last week we looked at how God has adopted us to be a part of his family and discovered what an amazing person our Heavenly Father truly is.
I don't know about you, but in some ways I have felt like a football player, getting more and more excited to run out onto the field and play the game. I know we are going to win! In fact, there have been times I could imagine running out of the tunnel through the corridor of cheerleaders and see the giant paper team banner stretched out ready for us to burst through. Romans 8 has been great!
Now in Romans 8:17 Paul brings up suffering.
Perhaps there is a brick wall on the other side of that paper banner.
Or maybe we need to discover more about the nature of living the Christian life. We need to learn something about suffering. We need to learn that while we will emerge victorious, the "game" we are called to participate in is not for the faint of heart. It is going to demand extraordinary amounts of courage, persistence and fortitude. Courage, persistence and fortitude seen most clearly in our Lord Jesus.
Join us this week for an amazing journey into God's Word.
I don't know about you, but in some ways I have felt like a football player, getting more and more excited to run out onto the field and play the game. I know we are going to win! In fact, there have been times I could imagine running out of the tunnel through the corridor of cheerleaders and see the giant paper team banner stretched out ready for us to burst through. Romans 8 has been great!
Now in Romans 8:17 Paul brings up suffering.
Perhaps there is a brick wall on the other side of that paper banner.
Or maybe we need to discover more about the nature of living the Christian life. We need to learn something about suffering. We need to learn that while we will emerge victorious, the "game" we are called to participate in is not for the faint of heart. It is going to demand extraordinary amounts of courage, persistence and fortitude. Courage, persistence and fortitude seen most clearly in our Lord Jesus.
Join us this week for an amazing journey into God's Word.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Belonging to Him
This week in our study of Romans 8:14-17 we are going to be looking at what it means to be adopted as God's children. This reality is one of the most transformational truths of the Bible. Sadly, experiences with our earthly parents can cloud our understanding and hinder our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Just what does it mean to be adopted by God? What is God like as our Father? Is it even desirable?
How can we experience (not just understand) this truth?
Join us this week as we dive into one of the most exciting passages of the Bible!
Just what does it mean to be adopted by God? What is God like as our Father? Is it even desirable?
How can we experience (not just understand) this truth?
Join us this week as we dive into one of the most exciting passages of the Bible!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Christian Life
Sin is a word that has been dropped from the vocabulary, yet it is something that affects all of us. Sin (willful disobedience to God's will) generates guilt and shame in our lives, and sends us on a downward spiral of running away from God. Sin, according to the Bible, actually has the ability to enslave us.
Freedom is found only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Most of you who attend Nashwauk Alliance have discovered that Jesus Christ died to take away our guilt and shame. But have you discovered that Jesus can also take away the bondage that sin causes?
Living a truly Christ-like life doesn't happen the way most people imagine. In fact, many people try to live a "Christian" lifestyle and find themselves failing miserably. That's what Romans 7 is all about.
The truly Christian life is one that is lived in relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. That's what Romans 8 is all about. Paul makes it clear that we are supposed to live "according to the Spirit" and that we are to "set our minds" on the the desires of the Spirit. As we do so, we discover that God has truly provided everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him (2 Peter 1:3).
Join us this week as we continue to explore what it means to "set our minds on the desires of the Holy Spirit." As we do so, we will discover liberation from the bondage of sin and glorious freedom in Christ Jesus!
Freedom is found only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Most of you who attend Nashwauk Alliance have discovered that Jesus Christ died to take away our guilt and shame. But have you discovered that Jesus can also take away the bondage that sin causes?
Living a truly Christ-like life doesn't happen the way most people imagine. In fact, many people try to live a "Christian" lifestyle and find themselves failing miserably. That's what Romans 7 is all about.
The truly Christian life is one that is lived in relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. That's what Romans 8 is all about. Paul makes it clear that we are supposed to live "according to the Spirit" and that we are to "set our minds" on the the desires of the Spirit. As we do so, we discover that God has truly provided everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him (2 Peter 1:3).
Join us this week as we continue to explore what it means to "set our minds on the desires of the Holy Spirit." As we do so, we will discover liberation from the bondage of sin and glorious freedom in Christ Jesus!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Wrath of God
"If there is a God, then why doesn't he do something about the evil in the world?" I've heard the question many times, particularly from people who scoff at the idea of God. It is hard to watch the inhumanity in the world. The murders, armed rebellions, drug dealing and sexual abuse can make us sick. Why doesn't he do something?
It's ironic that many of the same scoffers mock at the idea that God might actually do something about evil. There was incredible uproar when some preachers speculated that perhaps the destruction of New Orleans was a judgement of God. "God wouldn't do that...he is too loving." Apparently God isn't supposed to do the Sodom and Gomorrah thing anymore. He's supposed to be positive and uplifting all the time, and at the same time "do something" about the wickedness in the world.
I'm not sure whether the hurricane was one of those sad things that happens or if it was the judgement of God. I do know that we are going to learn a lot about God over the next weeks as we dust off the concept of "The Wrath of God" that is found in the next section of Romans (Chapter 1:18-32). Personally, I believe that as we do, we are going to be transfixed by the awesomeness of the God we serve.
Join us for this incredible study of God's character!
Pastor Karl
It's ironic that many of the same scoffers mock at the idea that God might actually do something about evil. There was incredible uproar when some preachers speculated that perhaps the destruction of New Orleans was a judgement of God. "God wouldn't do that...he is too loving." Apparently God isn't supposed to do the Sodom and Gomorrah thing anymore. He's supposed to be positive and uplifting all the time, and at the same time "do something" about the wickedness in the world.
I'm not sure whether the hurricane was one of those sad things that happens or if it was the judgement of God. I do know that we are going to learn a lot about God over the next weeks as we dust off the concept of "The Wrath of God" that is found in the next section of Romans (Chapter 1:18-32). Personally, I believe that as we do, we are going to be transfixed by the awesomeness of the God we serve.
Join us for this incredible study of God's character!
Pastor Karl
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Paul writes to the Romans that he is "not ashamed of the gospel." I've always been struck by that idea. Perhaps because my experience is that sometimes I am afraid of the ridicule that following Christ can entail. I feel it occassionally when I am in a social setting with people I've just met and they ask me what I do for a living. I wonder what their reaction will be. I hope that the relationship will continue. Maybe you've been there.
In this passage Paul helps us get over our fear by teaching us that:
In this passage Paul helps us get over our fear by teaching us that:
- We will not be ashamed if we really understand what the gospel is.
- We will not be ashamed if we factor in the power of God.
- We will not be ashamed if we truly believe the gospel.
I beleive that God will really do an incredible work in our midst over the coming weeks. See you there!
Pastor Karl
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Servants of Christ
This Sunday we will be starting a new sermon series. We will be working our way through the book of Romans. I am approaching this series with both fear and excitement. Romans is one of my favorite books, but at the same time it is one of the most challenging books in the Bible.
The truth is that as I have considered where to head next in preaching, Romans has always been near the bottom of the list because it can be a little intimidating. As much as I have studied it, I still feel like I'm standing ankle deep in the ocean of what is to be found in the book. It is a book that I treasure, but to stand and expound upon its truth seems beyond my limited abilities.
Over the last several weeks, as I have sought God's direction, the Holy Spirit has clearly spoken to my heart that it is time to start this awesome book. At moments like this I am reminded of two important facts. The first is that I (and we) need to be taught by the Holy Spirit. Book learning and "common sense" simply won't cut it. I need the Holy Spirit's instruction as I prepare each week. The Holy Spirit needs to guide my study, my prayer and my writing.
The second is a truth that is found in the first sentence of the book of Romans. Paul considered himself a servant of Christ. So should we. For me, that means that because the Lord spoke to me that Romans is next, I need to be obedient to that directive and jump in with both feet believing that His guidance, as always, will be true.
Let's together ask God to amaze us as we work our way through this incredible book!
The truth is that as I have considered where to head next in preaching, Romans has always been near the bottom of the list because it can be a little intimidating. As much as I have studied it, I still feel like I'm standing ankle deep in the ocean of what is to be found in the book. It is a book that I treasure, but to stand and expound upon its truth seems beyond my limited abilities.
Over the last several weeks, as I have sought God's direction, the Holy Spirit has clearly spoken to my heart that it is time to start this awesome book. At moments like this I am reminded of two important facts. The first is that I (and we) need to be taught by the Holy Spirit. Book learning and "common sense" simply won't cut it. I need the Holy Spirit's instruction as I prepare each week. The Holy Spirit needs to guide my study, my prayer and my writing.
The second is a truth that is found in the first sentence of the book of Romans. Paul considered himself a servant of Christ. So should we. For me, that means that because the Lord spoke to me that Romans is next, I need to be obedient to that directive and jump in with both feet believing that His guidance, as always, will be true.
Let's together ask God to amaze us as we work our way through this incredible book!
"Romans is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes." - Martin Luther, Preface to the Epistle to the Romans, (1522).
-Pastor Karl
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Spiritual Warfare - Walking with God is not for Wimps
We are in the middle of a sermon series looking at 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. The more I study this passage and its implications, the more I am struck by the fact that true Christianity is not for weaklings. Instead, it requires tremendous courage to deal with the issues in our lives that allow the enemy the opportunity to keep us from knowing God fully.
For me, it means that I am learning a whole new way of thinking about life and problems. It means trying to understand God's perspective and what He wants me to do in each situation I am in. Sometimes this is hard and even a little scary, but in the end I've found that His way always brings greater joy and freedom.
This week we will be talking about how we can know the truth about ourselves, our circumstances, our relationships and about God himself.
Join us...I dare you!
Pastor Karl
For me, it means that I am learning a whole new way of thinking about life and problems. It means trying to understand God's perspective and what He wants me to do in each situation I am in. Sometimes this is hard and even a little scary, but in the end I've found that His way always brings greater joy and freedom.
This week we will be talking about how we can know the truth about ourselves, our circumstances, our relationships and about God himself.
Join us...I dare you!
Pastor Karl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)