Rev Bill

I have posted today’s sermon on my sermon blog. Based on Exodus 20:1-17, Philippians 3:4(b)-14, and Matthew 21:33-46 it is entitled “The Power Of Love”.

Here’s a portion of it:

I found this on Facebook the other day and want to share it with you today:
When I say “I am a Christian”, I am not shouting “I am clean living”, I’m whispering “I was lost, but now I’m found and forgiven.”
I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
I’m not trying to be strong. I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.
I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon HIS name.
I’m not holier than thou, I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace, somehow!

You can read the entire sermon here.

I have posted yesterday’s sermon on my sermon blog. Based on Matthew 21:23-32 it is entitled “Actions Speak Louder”.

Here’s a portion of it:

I don’t know about you – but I don’t like hearing that someone who does not appear to be a Christian – maybe an obnoxious person who tries to “run the church” – or maybe even the neighbor who never darkens the door of the church – or maybe even the man or woman on the street who is drunk or high on drugs most of the time – I don’t like hearing that God may “smile on them” more than God “smiles on” those of us who come to Church every Sunday.
You probably don’t like hearing it, either.
Maybe you’re thinking:
“What do you mean – these people who try to push people around – or try to impress others – or who have never darkened the door of the church – or who truly don’t look like ‘religious folks’ – might be doing God’s will better than we are?”
Unfortunately, when we become offended by ideas like these – we are very close to the thinking like many of the Pharisees who confronted Jesus in our scripture passage before us today and throughout the gospels.

You can read the entire sermon here.

September 11, 2001. While this is not the original “day that will live in infamy” it is truly a day that I pray we never forget.

I’m sure most of you remember what you were doing today ten years ago when you first heard the news of the attacks. I was driving home from an early morning meeting — listening to the 9:00 news on the radio — when they told about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. By the time I got home they were talking about the second plane. I spent the rest of the next few days glued to the TV, radio, internet, and telephone stunned by what I was hearing, thanking God that my niece in Washington and her husband who happened to be in New York City were safe, praying for those who lost loved ones, and leading Church services. I will never forget the feelings of fear, anger, and sympathy for the victims.

Ten years later, I am proud of the men and women who are serving in our armed services — – doing what they can to make the world safer. My prayer is that they can come home soon and that we can all live in safety. This may seem to be impossible, but I pray that the day will come when it can be true.

I close with a Psalm and a prayer.

Psalm 91 was a favorite of my Dad’s as he service in Italy flying a B-24 during World War II. It’s words speak of the way God protects us. May it’s words give us hope.

1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,2 will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

5 You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day,
6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.8 You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the LORD your refuge,the Most High your dwelling place,
10 no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

14 Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. 15 When they call to me, I will answer them;I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. 16 With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

The prayer is from The Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church:

God of compassion,
you watch our ways,
and weave out of terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy
with a sense of your present love,
and hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
may they find you and be comforted;
through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen