Sermons From My Heart

How do you handle your mail? On those days when you are overwhelmed by sheer quantity, I’m sure you occasionally take all the junk mail and drop it right in the wastebasket. But how do we know when we have truly received something special and just for us in terms of spiritual messages? How do you sort out your spiritual mail—the fourth class from the registered first-class air mail? How do you know which message is from God and has your name on it?In this passage we just heard from Luke’s Gospel, John the Baptist’s message does not sound unlike the one we hear on the street corners in every large city in the land. “This is the Word of the Lord. Repent and believe.” Most of us ignore those people we hear from time to time on the street corners of great cities, while John the Baptist catches our attention. The message is not what is said. The message is wrapped in the personality delivering the message.

John was the message. John had such authority and authenticity that crowds came out to listen. That kind of popular appeal is a rare occurrence in any time and in any nation. Society would seem to encourage mediocrity rather than greatness. Those who excel must be very gifted innately or else be special instruments of God.

Just like the word of the coming Messiah came from an unexpected source, the word of God can be found in places where we least expect it and with whom we least expect it. If the word of God can come from John-roughly clad, honey stuck to his beard, shouting on a river bank-who knows who and what might be next?

In Old Testament times, a monarch travelling in wilderness regions would have a crew of workmen go ahead to make sure the road was clear of debris, obstructions, potholes and other hazards that made the journey difficult. In a spiritual sense, John was calling the people of Israel to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah.

The wilderness isn’t a place of desolation. It’s a place of hope. It’s a promised fresh start. The first step is the baptism of repentance. That baptism releases us from sin, but it requires overturning the world as we know it.John made people uncomfortable.

No one wants to hear that they must change. Maybe John had to preach in the desert because neither Roman rulers nor religious authorities wanted him in court in temple precincts. He would have upset the status quo and challenged the compromises religious leadership had worked out with the secular government. The “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” means that we will be asked to make sacrifices and admit wrong doing. Our society doesn’t like that kind of talk, and neither do religious institutions.

Sometimes we make wrong turns in our spiritual lives. We think we are going in the right direction only to discover it was never God’s will for us to enter that relationship, make that business deal, hire that person-the examples are limitless. God can make our crooked places straight. He can make our mistakes right. It might mean some consequences for those decisions, but He will always allow our actions to work together for good if we repent and seek Him fully to make things right. These lessons can even contribute to greater wisdom in our lives if we learn from our mistakes.

God chose a nobody to prepare the way for Jesus to come amongst us. God chooses people whom the world sees as insignificant through whom to do marvelous things. John the Baptist, Mary the unwed teenager, the shepherds at the very bottom of the economic ladder who serve as the audience for the heavenly choir. God chooses people the world can easily ignore to participate in God’s world-changing, world-saving activity.

John was an unusual attraction for several reasons. First of all, God had been silent for four hundred years in speaking to His people through an authentic prophet. But it was believed that prophecy would rise again when the Messiah was about to come. So, all Israel was waiting for one who might be that authentic prophet. John was such a prophet, and throngs came out to hear this one who might prove to be the harbinger of the Messiah.Further, John was saying hard words, usually an indication of an authentic prophet. Somehow we know that those who speak for God do not offer us easy discipleship or cheap grace. Those things that are costly are ultimately the most worthwhile at any level. The first word of the gospel is repent-a person must turn from sin. Jesus kept warning those who heard Him that discipleship would be difficult; that while foxes had holes, He had no place to sleep.

John came baptizing, and the idea of baptism was new for the Jews. Only the Gentiles, the outsiders who became Jews, were baptized. John was preaching that being born a Jew did not assure a right relationship with God; the Jews must be baptized just like the outsiders. Because of this unusual emphasis he was called John the Baptist.

John’s essential message was simply that we be what we seem to be. If we want to seem godly, then we are to be godly, with no sham. He spelled out what that meant. He addressed himself in specifics to the ethics of the time: soldiers, don’t intimidate and coerce; tax collectors, collect no more than is your due. He spoke of sharing with those in need. But this was not a new ethic. The rabbis had been saying all these things. But John was preaching that those ethics were to be a way of life. The crux of his message was, “God has told us what to do and be. Do it, and don’t pretend to be something you’re not.”

John is calling for a change of heart, soul and mind. He is calling for a radical change of behaviour. John is preaching the coming realm of God, and this kingdom of God is the state of forgiveness, where sin is forgiven and wiped away.

It is crucial to be regular at worship, to pray, to give-to everything that God has given us to do-so we can receive His blessings. But these outward forms mean absolutely nothing unless we have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus. John makes this clear in Luke 3:3 when he says, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.”

John’s call for us to prepare the way for the Messiah seems a little rude to us today. For us, our valleys are gentle and rolling, and our mountains are just the right height. There aren’t any crooked places or rough places on the roads we travel-or so we think. What seemed to be an easy road to travel led to a dead end. What looked like the right way to do things was actually a disaster. We are in a spiritual wilderness, and we are lost.

The Good News is that the Word made flesh has found us in the wilderness. The Good Shepherd has left the 99 sheep to search for the one who is lost. He has shown us the error of our ways. He has shown us the crooked and rough roads we have been travelling. He has created a new path for us. We will get off course many times. Sometimes we will have to turn around, but we will need to adjust our course occasionally to make sure we are travelling in the right direction. That’s what it means to repent and prepare during this season of Advent.

Preparing for the coming of God’s realm means washing the lens of our willing self-deceit. It is a disciplined practice of seeing the heart of evil-a practice that needs a community of discernment to remain honest. Preparing the way of the Lord means making a choice. We must decide what we are to focus our lives on. We have to decide what to keep. We have to decide to surrender to God’s control of our lives. Only then can we get our lives in order. We have to choose to confront the temptations in our lives that will lure us away from God.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1389)

2. Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Vol. 26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983; pp. 68-76)

3. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

4. Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers: 2010)

5. Os Hillman, “Recalibrate Route!” Retrieved from http://www.marketplaceleaders.org

6. Jennifer Brownell, “The Someones.” Retrieved from dailydevotional@ucc.org

7. Jude Siciliano, OP, “First Impressions, 2nd Sunday of Advent ( C ) December 9, 2018”. Retrieved from http://www.preacherexchange.org

8. Glen L. Monson, “Second Sunday of Advent, Year B, Gospel.” Retrieved from http://crossings.org/text-study/2nd-sunday-in-advent-yr-2-2/?print=print

9. Judith Jones, “Commentary on Luke 3:1-6.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentaty_id=2702

10. David Lose, “Commentary on Luke 3:1-6.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentaty_id=491

11. The Rev. Dr. John Westerhoff III, “Live Prepared.” Retrieved from http://day1.org/4361-live-prepared.print

12. The Rev. Dr. Wiley Stephens, “Uncluttering.” Retrieved from http://day1.org/1610-uncluttering.print

At first glance the passage from Luke 21:25-36 seems to be out of place during Advent. After all, most of us think of Advent as a time to prepare for Christmas. That is only partially true. Advent is also a time to remember and prepare for Christ’s Second Coming, and that preparation includes watching for the signs of his return. On the Third and Fourth Sundays in Advent the readings will focus on Christ’s First Coming over 2,000 years ago. Luke wrote his Gospel several years after Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension. At that time the church was undergoing suffering and injustice. Luke wrote his Gospel to encourage the church and remind the people that God is in control of events and has a time set for Christ’s return. Luke’s message applies to us today. Luke wants us, like the believers he wrote to, to be ready to meet Jesus when he returns and in the meantime we are to stand firm and witness to his name. According to Luke, we live in the time between Christ’s triumph over death and his Second Coming. This “in-between” time is filled with both tension and hope. The hope can be found in the beginning and ending of the story of the church (and therefore our story), which has been secured by Christ. We are also living in the time of the Gentiles, which began with the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. This time will end when Christ returns. The end times will begin when armies surround Jerusalem. The end time disasters will be orchestrated by God for the sake of warning sinners and calling on them to repent. At this time the Messiah will return and defeat evil. In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke Jesus gives us some of these signs. The signs mentioned in this passage are supernatural in nature. They are orchestrated by God. They will awaken humanity out of its spiritual slumber before Christ returns. Jesus will return at the end of the Tribulation period. He will defeat his enemies and begin his one thousand year reign of peace on a restored planet. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension were testimonies to God’s faithfulness through the signs of Christ’s return. Jesus used the parable of the fig tree to explain to his followers how to interpret the signs of the end times. Just like a fig tree behaves in predictable ways, prophecy can reliably point to future events. We can understand prophecy if we take time to read it carefully. For example, just like the leaves of the fig tree come to life after winter, the kingdom of God should not come as a shock to us. Some of you might look at world affairs and wonder if they are signs of Christ’s return. Your concern is certainly understandable considering the world situation today. Only time will tell if these are early signs of the end times, but in any event we must keep our faith strong. The world will see these signs and quake with fear. On the other hand, Christians will see these signs as a prelude to Christ’s return and their own redemption. Redemption refers to Christ’s return, and at that time mortality puts on immortality, and the redemption of the body takes place. For Christians, difficult times do not mean that God has deserted them but that God will fulfill all of his word-both the difficult parts as well as the delightful ones. When Jesus referred to “this generation,” he was not referring to the disciples. He was referring to the people who would see the signs of the end times. These people won’t die until Christ the King returns in power and establishes his kingdom here on earth. These events will happen quickly. Jesus claimed to be the divine Son of God. He also called on his followers to put as much confidence in his teachings as they did any other portions of Scripture, and he calls on us to have the same confidence today. His words and teachings are for all time. They are permanent.Jesus also called on his followers to watch and pray to do his will. When hard times come, praying for escape is not wrong. Even Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that he would escape the cross, but he surrendered himself completely to God’s will. We can and should pray for escape when times are tough, but ultimately we must surrender to God’s will for the particular situation we find ourselves in. God’s Word is our security in times of turmoil. In the words of the hymn, “Will Your Anchor Hold”: We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure as the billows roll Fastened to the Rock which cannot move Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s loveJesus doesn’t talk about wars, rumours of wars or natural disasters to scare us. He wants to prepare us for his Second Coming. We are not to be afraid. We are not to be led astray by false teachers or people claiming to be Jesus. We are to take advantage of the turmoil that will precede his return to spread the Good News of salvation. As I mentioned earlier, his return is not catastrophic for believers because his return will usher in their redemption. It will be a time for hope, anticipation and glory. On the other hand, his return will be catastrophic for non-believers because it will lead to a new world where evil will be ended and creation will be restored to God’s design. Jesus tells us to watch for the signs of his return, but in the meantime we have work to do. We must spread the Good News to a sin-filled world. We must also continue to prepare for Christ’s return.When we see natural disasters and conflicts, we can be sure that Christ’s return is near. We must be ready, because he could return at any time. The promise of his return offers us hope. There are times when we don’t believe that God offers hope, and some of you might be in that situation right now. We might like the outward appearance of Advent with all of the decorations, parties and shopping, but do we let Advent and its promise of Christ’s return change us? We need to let it get into our feelings and open our hearts. Many times Christians have expressed the desire for the day to just get here already. They want to end the wars and suffering… the waiting… and get on with Christ’s return. They read the Scriptures, looking for details, for signs, that Christ is coming soon. Groups form and debates rage about the finer details of the end times.God appreciates our interest in and desire for his arrival, but do we really know what we’re really asking for when we say that we want him to hurry up and return? Are we really ready? Is the world really ready? If we had to stand before Christ tomorrow, would we be ready? Would your life reflect service to him? Love of him? Submission to him?

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013)

2. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3. Exegesis for Luke 21:25-36. Retrieved from http://www.lectionary.org

4. Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol.26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983)

5. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NKJV (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles, 2005)

6. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing; 2006)

7. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, First Sunday of Advent (C).” Retrieved from http://www.preacherexchange.org

8. David Lose, “Commentary on Luke 21:25-36.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=480

9. The Rev. Dr. Susan Andrews, “A God’s Eye View.” Retrieved from http://www.day1.org/488-a-gods-eye-view.print

10. Swindoll, Charles R.: Swindoll’s New Testament Insights on Luke (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 2012, pgs. 473-474)

11. Sarah Phillips, “The Last Days.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.” Hailey looked at her three-year-old brother. “Okay, Curtis, now you try.”

Curtis looked like he was thinking intensely. “A!” he suddenly shouted, and then, after a pause, “Z!”

“Ugh!” Hailey put her hand on her head in frustration.

Dad, who was watching the whole thing, began to laugh.

“I’m glad you think this is funny,” Hailey said. “I’ve been working with him for an hour, and he’s just not getting it.”

“Why is it so important that he know the alphabet right now anyway?” asked Dad.

“Jenny and I are having a race,” replied Hailey. “I’m trying to get Curtis to learn the alphabet before she teaches her dog to sit and roll over. If Curtis learns the alphabet first, I get to pick the movie we watch this weekend.”

Dad chuckled and shook his head. “You guys are silly.”

Hailey laughed. “Yeah, I guess.” She put her head in her hands and sighed. “Yesterday Jenny asked me a question that made me feel really silly. She asked me how old God is. I didn’t know what to say.”

Curtis walked over to where Dad was sitting, and Dad picked him up and put him in his lap. “Well, Curtis just told you the answer,” he said.

Hailey gave her dad a confused look. “But all he said was, ‘A, Z.’ That’s not a number.”

“In the Bible, Jesus says He’s the Alpha and Omega–the beginning and end. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, like our A and Z. God is A to Z, just like Curtis said. He always was, is, and will be. He doesn’t have an age.”

“So God has no beginning or end?” Hailey asked.

“That’s right.” Dad’s eyes twinkled. “And yet, He was born–and also died.”

“But wait, you just said…” It took Hailey a moment to realize what Dad meant. “Oh, I get it–you’re talking about Jesus! He was born as a baby and died on the cross for us.”

Dad nodded. “Jesus is God, who is eternal with no beginning or end, but He was willing to become human and die for us so we could have eternal life.”

“Wow,” said Hailey. “He really sacrificed a lot to save us!”

Today-Sunday, November 25, 2018-marks the end of the church year. Next Sunday-December 2, 2018- the season of Advent starts. Advent is a season when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago and his eventual return to be our king. Today we celebrate Reign of Christ Sunday, also known as Christ the King Sunday.

It is not an ancient festival in the Christian calendar. In fact, it was only established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It was established at a time when Europe was in chaos. Inflation was rampant, and colonialism was at its worst. The seeds of evil that would eventually grow into the Holocaust and World War II were being planted. Pope Pius XI established the Festival of Christ the King to declare that Jesus Christ is king. He is the goal of human history, the joy of all who hear, and the fulfillment of man’s aspirations.

Every king must have a kingdom. It is there that we come into play. God’s kingdom is all around us and we are called to give faithful witness to it. We are members of the kingdom and we are called to show others this glorious kingdom that they too are a part of even if they don’t realize it.

Revelation 1:4-8 has four descriptions of Jesus:

1. The author of grace and peace
2. The faithful; witness
3. First born of the dead
4. Ruler of kings on earth

John then goes on to describe Jesus as the one who loves us and who has set us free from our sins by His blood. The word “blood” means that Jesus:

1. has made us a kingdom
2. has made us priests
3. has received glory and dominion forever
4. is coming again as our king

John gives us a look into the kingdom theology of the New Testament. God’s kingdom is seen in terms of our relationship with God. Ordinary people who accept Christ as their Saviour will become Christ’s servants and His kingdom in the world

 Jesus Christ is described as the one who loved us, freed us from sins and lifted His people up. The word “washed” could more literally be translated as “loose” or “freed.” The word also recalls that the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Jesus has likewise freed believers from their sin. This action makes us a kingdom and makes us priests to serve Him. We live our kingdom role when we love and live as Jesus our King would have us love and live. We are priests when we intercede on behalf of other people in prayer and share the Gospel of forgiveness in Christ. Our identity as priests is shaped by Christ’s identity as our king.

 Only in the Book of Revelation is Christ given the title of “faithful witness.” He was a genuine martyr, faithful unto death. Jesus’ earthly throne was a cross. Jesus chose the way of obedience and humiliation, but in doing so He was exalted to God’s right hand where He is our Lord and King, ruling over all the rulers of the earth. Kings protect their subjects, including dying for them. Revelation 1:5-6, with its emphasis on love, service and sacrifice, captures the essence of Jesus. He loves us unconditionally. He has freed us from sin forever. He cares about the intimate details of our lives, just like kings care for their subjects. He has made us in His image to serve God in His kingdom here on earth.

 Verses 7-8 present the theme of the entire book: the return of the King and establishment of his rule over the kingdom. The word “coming” expresses the return of Jesus. It describes the arrival of the king and the changes in the situation that His arrival produces. Believers of Christ are called to become united under the rule of Christ. Christianity and the world don’t always align. Our allegiance to Christ must take priority, even if it means resisting a political regime, an economical organization or cultural systems.

The words “Alpha” and “Omega” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Here they point to the eternity of Christ and to His all-inclusive power. Jesus is the boundless, timeless, and powerful One. He is the most important person in the entire universe because He is our King. He thinks that we are important. He gave His life for us because He is our king, and as our king He loves us.

 We must not forget about our responsibility for Jesus’ suffering. We caused it because of our sin and we need to have our broken relationship with God restored. Those who crucified Jesus will see His loud, thunderous return and mourn. For those who have accepted Christ as their Saviour, the days of mourning will be over. When He returns, He will bring peace just like good rulers do.

In worldly terms, the reign of Christ was a failure, but in reality it wasn’t a failure at all. We understand Christ’s kingship in the light of the cross. In His darkest hours, when He was abandoned by His followers and underwent one of the cruelest forms of death known to mankind, He revealed His eternal kingship to the world. His death and resurrection were the manifestation of Christ’s glory.

If we know that God loves us with an unconditional love, nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ our king. King Jesus will make all things right in the world when He returns. Right now we can’t see Christ the king, but he is there on the throne at the centre of the universe, ruling all things according to the plan of God. Grace and peace are ours. He will come again, as he left, “with the clouds.” Though only the disciples saw him go and no one sees him now, everyone will see him when he returns-even those who crucified Christ. Grace and peace will be ours then too.

This is not a holy day to celebrate a day to come, but rather it is a holy day that reminds us that at the very end of all one thing has remained constant and will forever remain constant-Christ is king! Christ is a good and faithful king who has been with us through it all. Christ is not just a future king that will one day come. Christ is the current king who has reigned forever and ever and will reign forever and ever.

 With Jesus as the faithful witness and our Saviour, we are members of a kingdom that will last throughout time and beyond time. We can find comfort in knowing that Jesus reigns now and forever, in both the good times and the bad times. Our understanding of who Jesus is will determine our eternal destiny after death. Is Jesus the king of your heart?

 Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1838)
2. Palmer, E.F. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 35: 1,2&3 John/Revelation (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982; pp. 110-114)
3. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers: 2006)
4. “How Old is God?” Retrieved from info@keysforkids.org
5. “Receive.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

1. “The Grandness of God.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
2. Anne Graham Lots, “Just Think on Jesus.” Retrieved form www.angelministries.org
3. Ron Moore, “The Revelation.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
4. Kenneth L. Samuel, “Facing Injustice.” Retrieved from dailydevotional@ucc.org
5. Joni Eareckson Tada, “The Second Advent.” Retrieved from communications@joniandfriends.org
6. Dr. Charles Stanley, “An Introduction to Christ.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
7. Fr. Robert Verrill, O.P., “A Pope’s Hope.” Retrieved from www.torch.op.org
8. Tracey Hinkel, “Revelation 1:4b-8.” Retrieved from communic@luthersem.edu
9. Pastor Jack Hibbs, “Revelation 1:8.” Retrieved from wttw@calvarycch.org
10. Stan Mast, “Revelation 1:4-8.” Retrieved from http://cep.calvinseminary.edu/sermon-starters/proper_29b/?type=lectionary_epistle
11. Violet Nicolet-Anderson, “Commentary on Revelation 1:4b-8.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1468
12. Brent Neely, “Revelation 1:4b-8.” Retrieved from www.aplainaccount.org/revelation-14b-8/

Hello boys and girls!

This coming Sunday-November 25, 2018- is a very special day in our church year. It will be Reign of Christ Sunday, and that’s the day when we celebrate the fact that Christ is the King of our lives. Now there are good kings and there are bad, evil kings.

It will also be the church’s version of New Year’s Eve. The following Sunday-December 2^nd, 2018- will be the first Sunday of Advent. Not only does it mark the beginning of another year in the life of the church, it also marks the beginning of the season where we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In other words, we prepare ourselves for Christmas.

Now, at the risk of upsetting your parents and grandparents, I’m going to ask you a question. Are you starting to get excited for Christmas? Well boys and girls, I’m going to tell you a little story about someone else who got excited.

How many of you have seen the movie “The Lion King”? Well then, you might remember that Simba was anxious to become king because he did not want anyone to tell him what to do. He didn’t want to hear anyone saying, “Do this” or “stop that.” He wanted to be free to run around all day doing everything his way.

It wasn’t just that Simba didn’t want anyone to tell him what to do; he was also looking forward to telling everyone else what to do. Just listen to what he says! “I’m going to be a mighty king so enemies beware! I’m going to be the main event like no king was before. I’m brushing up on looking down. I’m working on my ROAR! Oh, I just can’t wait to be king!”

I think that Simba had a very poor idea of what it means to be a king. You see, the real role of a king is to look after the needs of his people. A good king is more concerned with caring for his people than he is in being served. [1]

During his last days on earth, Jesus was arrested and put on trial. When he was asked by Pilate if he was a king, Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world.”

Yes, Jesus was a king, but he wasn’t interested in running around free and doing things his way. He was only interested in doing the will of his Father. In other words, he did what his Father told him to do.

I’m going to tell you a story about someone else who did not like being told what to do. It’s about a boy named Johnny. Now Johnny’s father took him to the park to play in the big sand pile. “Johnny,” he said, “you stay here and play in the sand while I sit on the bench over there.” So, his father took his newspaper and sat on the bench. Johnny took his little shovel and put sand in his bucket. Then he went over to a girl who was also playing in the sand.

“Want some sand?” he asked. “Okay,” the little girl said. Johnny put his shovel in the bucket and scooped out some sand. “Hold out your hand,” Johnny said to the little girl. The little girl held out both hands, and Johnny poured the sand into her hands. It ran down her arms and through her fingers and she laughed.

“You want some more sand?” asked Johnny. “Okay,” said the little girl. So, Johnny took another scoop of sand, but this time when she put out her hands, he poured the sand on her head. She began to cry. Her mother came right over. She got down so she could look right in Johnny’s eyes and said, “That was not nice. If you can’t play nice, you may not play in the sand pile.” You know what Johnny said back to the lady? He said, “You aren’t the boss of me.”

That night when Johnny and his father were getting ready to say prayers, they talked about what had happened that day in the sand pile in the park. “That lady isn’t the boss of me,” Johnny said again.

“Who is the boss of you, then?” said his father. “You are,” said Johnny. “And who else?” asked his father. “I don’t know,” said Johnny.

“What about Jesus? Is Jesus the boss of you?” asked his father. “I guess so,” said Johnny.

“So what would Jesus say to you when you dumped sand on the girl’s head?” asked his father. “I don’t know,” said Johnny. “Think again,” said his father.

“Maybe he would tell me to stop,” said Johnny.

“That’s good,” said his father. “I’m proud of you. You know what Jesus would say. Now, what would you do if Jesus said stop?” “I would stop,” said Johnny.

“So, maybe that lady was telling you for Jesus,” said his father. “Did you think about that?”

“No,” said Johnny. “I didn’t think about that.” “Johnny,” said his father, “you know when we bow our heads in church; you know what that means?” “It means we are praying,” said Johnny. “Yes,” said his father, “and it also means Jesus is the boss of us.”[2]

Boys and girls, Jesus was born to be king, but his kingdom is not on this earth — it is in heaven. He only came to earth to make a way for us to live with him in heaven.

Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes for a moment of prayer. Dear God, thank you for being our king. Thank you for telling us what to do, what to say and what to think. Give us the wisdom to always obey you, even though at times we don’t want to. We ask this in the name of your son our Saviour Jesus Christ, AMEN

Bibliography

• “Crown Him King!” Retrieved from www.Sermons4Kids.com

• Children’s Sermon for Pentecost 26, 11/25/2012. Retrieved from www.mcgregorpage.org

This coming Sunday, November 25, 2018, Christians will celebrate the church’s version of New Year’s Eve-also known as Reign of Christ Sunday. The following Sunday-December 2^nd, 2018-marks the start of Advent and Year C in the three year cycle of readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is a day when we remember that Jesus is the king of our lives. It is not an ancient festival in the Christian calendar. In fact, it was only established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It was established at a time when Europe was in chaos. Inflation was rampant, and colonialism was at its worst. The seeds of evil that would eventually grow into the Holocaust and World War II were being planted. Pope Pius XI established the Festival of Christ the King to declare that Jesus Christ is king. He is the goal of human history, the joy of all who hear, and the fulfillment of man’s aspirations.

The conversation between and Jesus and Pilate allows John to proclaim in his Gospel that Jesus is a king with a divine authority. Jesus was accused of plotting to overthrow the government, and he was being questioned by Pilate. This gave Jesus a chance to tell his side of the story. Jesus argues that his kingdom is founded on truth. This is in contrast to earthly kingdoms which are founded on power.

In fact, Pilate’s “kingdom” was based on power. In his mind, truth was what the powerful said it was-and the same is often true today. Jesus offered Pilate the same choice he offers us today-advance your status on earth or walk in the light of truth. The choice we make will determine which kingdom we will serve-God or man.

Jesus saw the world differently that the way the world sees the world. He defied logic by the way he lived and by what he taught. He taught that truth is the cornerstone of healthy relationships and strong communities. If something or someone claims to be truth and has violent intentions or acts in a coercive manner, then it is not truth. Truth may be attacked but it cannot be harmed. It is not “of this world”. This is how the gospels speak of truth, and this is why John’s Gospel calls Jesus “the true and living way”.

Healthy relationships require confidence that both partners will tell the truth. We have to trust that individuals will do what they promise to do. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially with politicians. We often manipulate the truth to serve to serve our purposes-both by what we say and what we don’t say. In contrast, Jesus always speaks the truth.

It is hard for us to know what truth is in today’s world. To make matters worse, it is also hard for us to know who to trust. There are few honest heroes anymore. Just look at former Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. He had fame and fortune, but he lost it all because he chose to win by using illegal, unethical means. There are few authority figures anymore. Everyone seems to have his or her own agenda. Truth is essential to life. It is essential to a successful marriage. Society needs integrity in order to survive. Think of the terror that would exist if police officers were thugs. What would happen if pharmacists were to dilute our prescription drugs in order to sell contraband out the back door?

We must remember that we are citizens of another realm, with a different ruler and a different rule. When it comes to spiritual things, truth is Christ. We leave behind anything else that has power over us. We follow the one who gives us a freedom that no political power can grant. This kingdom is one where Jesus will rule over our lives and the new heaven and the new earth.

One day Jesus will return to earth to set up his kingdom-one where he will rule firmly and deal justly with sinners. Until then, his kingdom focuses on redeeming the hearts of the lost. So what does it mean to say Christ is the King of this world? It means that this is an unfinished world. There is unfinished business because the world is made up of unfinished people. Even when we are at our best, we are not all that Christ intends for us to be. Christ came into this unfinished world and made the ultimate sacrifice for us. He has commissioned us to be in his army to see that this unfinished world becomes the kingdom over which he will reign forever.

Our gospel text focuses on part two of the dialogue between Pilate and Jesus. When Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews, it was a political question. If Jesus presented himself to the people as a king, he was a rebel in Pilate’s eyes and needed to be dealt with accordingly. Jesus was a king, and indeed he is still a king. He is a king who has come to judge all earthly kings and kingdoms. He is the king of heaven and earth. He is full of grace and truth. He is our champion. He fights our battles for us. He leads us to victory over Satan and sin. He sets us up to lead his kingdom on earth until he returns. His kingdom occurs when we freely choose to serve him. This is in contrast to a worldly kingdom where power is obtained by self-centeredness and self-esteem. To love God is to become humble by paying the price of leaving people free to be who they will be.

Jesus does not wink at our sins. Paul reminds us in Romans 1:18-32 that even now Jesus is pouring out his wrath against those who think they can make better sense of their lives than he can. As his ambassadors on earth, we have a duty to live consistently by our Christian faith and speak against anything and everything that is contrary to it.

This text is about the clash between the earthly kingdom and the heavenly kingdom. We have to choose which kingdom we will serve, but we must remember that if we choose to serve an earthly kingdom, we will lose the struggle, because just like Christ was victorious over death, he will be victorious on earth when he returns to set up his kingdom. Jesus was a king, but he was not a typical king. He was a servant king. The symbol of his kingdom is the cross. Jesus takes the worst we have to offer-and the worst form of torture imaginable-and changes it into life and hope.

The challenge of the kingdom is for each of us:

1. To let God be God…in us
2. To let God be God…in our church
3. To let God be God…in our neighbourhoods
4. To let God be God…in our lives, our families and in our world

In order to find meaning, peace and purpose in our lives, we must keep asking ourselves, “What is Jesus telling me to do with my life?” When we do ask and listen for the answer, then we are experiencing the power of his kingdom in our lives.

It is the duty of us as Christians to represent Jesus here on earth. The church does best when it imitates Jesus who had no place to lay his head and who brought sight to the blind, helped the lame to walk, cleansed the lepers, made the deaf hear, raised the dead and brought good news to the poor. Just as Jesus’ power was in the cross, so the church’s most effective witness is in service and sacrifice to people in need. It is not in political connections, spectacular connections or great architecture.

 When we are in Christ’s presence, we should feel a sense of humility. Christ is our friend and our big brother, but we can’t appreciate Christ’s friendship and Christ’s role as our big brother unless we acknowledge that he is our Sovereign, our Saviour and our Lord.

In John 18:37, the themes of John’s Gospel are restated-incarnation, glory, truth. John’s Gospel is more concerned with Jesus’ origin than his birth story. Although he was born of the Virgin Mary, the greater reality is that he came from God. He came from a great king, and he is a great king. He came into this world to show us a new kind of king. His was the power of love, not the power of the sword. He came to rule not from a throne, but from the cross. He came not on a great horse, but on a donkey. He came not catering to the powerful but catering to the poor and the less fortunate. He chose his inner circle not from the powerful, but from the lowly and the meek. He calls us to be just like him. He calls us to take command and wield authority like he did. He has called us to give instead of take. He calls us to love instead of judging others. He calls us to care instead of ignoring the plight of the less fortunate.

 The truth to which Jesus testifies is the truth of the cross. Ever since the dawn of Christianity it has seemed strange that a man would become king by dying on the cross. Paul called it the foolishness of the cross, but Jesus called it the truth.

 I’m going to close this message with a story from World War II. Sportsman and best-selling author Pat Williams, in his book The Paradox of Power, tells about one man who deserved to bear the name Christian. In fact, that was his name, Christian X, king of Denmark during World War II. The people of Denmark remember him the way any of us would want to be remembered, as a person of character, courage, and principle. Every morning, King Christian rode without bodyguards in an open carriage through the streets of Copenhagen. He trusted his people and wanted them to feel free to come up to him, greet him, and shake his hand.

In 1940 Nazi Germany invaded Denmark. Like so many other European nations, this small Scandinavian country was quickly conquered. But the spirit of the Danish people and their king proved unquenchable. Even after the Nazis had taken control of the nation, King Christian X continued his morning carriage rides. He boldly led his people in a quiet but courageous resistance movement.

On one occasion, the king noticed a Nazi flag flying over a public building in Copenhagen. He went to the German commandant and asked that the flag be removed.
“The flag flies,” the commandant replied, “because I ordered it flown. Request denied.”
“I demand that it come down,” said the king. “If you do not have it removed, a Danish soldier will go and remove it.” “Then he will be shot,” said the commandant.
“I don’t think so,” said King Christian, “for I shall be that soldier.” The flag was removed.

On another occasion, the order came from the Nazis that all Jews were to identify themselves by wearing armbands with the yellow Star of David. King Christian said that one Danish person was exactly the same as the next one. So the King donned the first Star of David, and let it be known that he expected every loyal Dane would do the same. The next day in Copenhagen, almost the entire population wore armbands showing the Star of David. The Danes saved 90% of their Jewish population.

Later, the Nazis decided that all eight thousand Jews in Denmark would be rounded up and sent to concentration camps in central Europe. A German diplomat with a troubled conscience secretly informed King Christian of the Nazi plans. So the king organized a resistance effort that smuggled 7,500 Jews to Sweden within a single two-week period. The remaining five hundred Jews were rounded up by the Nazis and sent to an internment ghetto in Czechoslovakia. King Christian interceded on their behalf and all but fifty-one survived their treatment at the hands of the Nazis.

King Christian paid a price for his bold courage. The Nazis imprisoned him from 1943 until the fall of the Third Reich in 1945. An old man in his seventies, imprisonment was hard on his health. He died two years after his release, but he willingly paid the price for truth, as did other World War II heroes such as Corrie ten Boom. If people like King Christian, Corrie ten Boom and Jesus can willingly pay the price for what they believe in-namely, the truth-shouldn’t we as Christians also be willing to pay the price, especially when we are called by Christ to fight for the truth? After all, he is the final authority and power in the universe. Christ is King!

Bibliography

• Swindoll, Charles R.: Swindoll’s New Testament Insights on John (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 2010)

• Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.; 2009)

1. Pete Briscoe, “How to Live a Life that Defies Logic”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
2. Jude Siciliano, O.P. “First Impressions, Christ the King (B)”. Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org
3. Michael Youssef, PhD, “Thy Kingdom Come”. Retrieved from www.leadingtheway.org
4. T.M. Moore, “Ambassadors from another Realm”. Retrieved from www.colsoncenter.org/thecenter/columns/viewpoint/15752-ambassadors-from-another-realm
5. Dr. Philip W. McLarty, “What is Truth?” Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com
6. The Rev. Dr. Wiley Stevens, “Thanksgiving in Three Tenses”. Retrieved from www.day1.org
7. Lectionary Homiletics, Oct./Nov. 2012 (St. Paul, MN: Luther Seminary)
8. Exegesis for John 18:33-37. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.org.
9. King Duncan, “Christ the King”. Retrieved from www.esermons.com
10. King Duncan, “Held Hostage”. Retrieved from www.esermons.com
11. King Duncan, “What is true and Who Can You Trust?” Retrieved from www.esermons.com
12. King Duncan, “A Strange Kind of King”. Retrieved from www.esermons.com
13. Steven E. Albertin, “Having the Last Word”. Retrieved from www.esermons.com
14. John Shearman’s Lectionary Resource, Year B, Season after Pentecost, Reign of Christ. Retrieved from www.lectionary.seemslikegod.org/archives/year-b-season-after-pentecost-the-reign-of-christ.html
15. Roland McGregor, UMC, McGregorPage #886, Pentecost 25, 11/25/12. Retrieved from www.mcgregorpage.org
16. Daniel B. Clendenin, PhD, “Yes, I am a King”: The Anti-Politics of Christ the King. Retrieved from www.journeywithjesus.net

The mother of four young children was running errands on a Saturday. She had groceries to buy, dry cleaning to pick up, and a long “to-do” list to tackle. After a couple of hours, the troops became restless. Two were fighting. Two were crying. In between traffic lights, she was trying her best to placate everyone. Then it hit her: the kids are hungry. We’ll get some lunch, and then we can finish our errands.

She drove into Wendy’s with one mission in mind: to feed her children. She ordered “fun meals” all around, drove to the window, and picked up the food. Before she was back on the freeway, one of the children began to wail. “I didn’t get a burger! There’s no burger in here!” Mom quickly retraced her route, wheeled up to the fast food restaurant, and marched inside with her incomplete fun meal in its Wendy’s bag. “My girl didn’t get a burger when we came through the drive-through just now. Put a burger in this bag, please.” The girl behind the counter just stood there and stared. “Maybe you didn’t hear me,” the mother said, more firmly this time. “I need one more burger. Put it in the bag and hurry—I’ve got four hungry kids in the car.” No response. The mother’s patience was almost gone, and her choleric personality kicked in: “I said, I need another burger. Put it in this bag RIGHT NOW!” Without saying a word, the young lady at the counter reached back, got a hamburger, and dropped it in the bag. “Thank you very much,” the mom said sarcastically, and she turned and walked out of… McDonald’s.

It is amazing what can be accomplished with a clear cut sense of purpose! I know of no one who ever rivaled Jesus Christ for a sense of purpose. He came for one reason, and one reason only…and He never lost sight of His mission. Those who hindered Him, even friends, soon understood that His focus was unwavering and strong.

In Matthew 17:22-27, Jesus talked about His purpose. He told His disciples that He would be betrayed and killed, but that He would also rise again. The disciples didn’t understand this for three main reasons:

1. They were strongly attached to Him, and they were sorry that He would soon leave them.
2. They weren’t willing to believe it.
3. They couldn’t see how He could be the Messiah and yet be put to death in this manner.

When Jesus and the disciples reached Capernaum, they were asked by the Pharisees to pay the temple tax. The temple tax was a fee given each year by every adult Jewish male to maintain the temple, based on the instructions of Exodus 30:11-16. Jesus replied that “kings do not tax their own sons. This tribute money is taken up for the service of my Father. I, therefore, being the Son of God, for whom this is taken up, cannot be lawfully required to pay this tribute.”

The disagreement between Jesus and the Pharisees was really a conflict between the kingdom and will of God (as represented by Jesus) and the evil nature of mankind. Jesus didn’t fit the mold of the Pharisees’ religious system. They saw Jesus as a threat that had to be eliminated. By eliminating this threat, the Pharisees unknowingly helped Jesus fulfill His purpose.

 Jesus, as the Son of God, was not bound by human regulations; nevertheless, to avoid offense, He appointed Peter to fish for the money to pay the tax. This is similar to the incident recorded in Matthew 22:17-21, and both events are reminders that Christians should support those in authority as mentioned in Romans 13:1-7.

The fact that the money to pay the temple tax was found in the mouth of a fish is proof that Jesus had divine characteristics. If He knew that the first fish that came up would have such a coin in its mouth, it was proof that Jesus was all-knowing. It is by no means absurd that a fish could have swallowed a silver coin. Many fish bite eagerly at anything bright and would not hesitate ot swallow a coin. If Jesus created the coin for the occasion and placed it there, then it was proof that He had divine power.

 Now that we are children of God, the Holy Spirit lives in us, causing us to love and serve our neighbours-even when we don’t have to. We are part of the new kingdom that Jesus created. We answer to Jesus our King. The relationship with God was superior to the relationship to the temple, and God as sovereign King and Lord over the temple does not exact payment from His Son or the sons of the kingdom, with one exception. He exacted payment from Jesus for our sins, and that payment was Jesus’ death on the cross.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1313)
2. Barnes’ Notes on the New testament. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.
3. Augsberger, M.S. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 24: Matthew (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982; p. 18)
4. Pastor Ken Klaus, “Pay Your Taxes?” Retrieved from www.lhm.org
5. Dr. Ed Young, “The Power of a Clear-Cut Sense of Purpose.” Retrieved from ministry@winningwalk.org 

We’re getting closer to the end of our church year. In fact, Sun., Nov. 25, 2018 is Reign of Christ Sunday, which is the church’s equivalent to New Year’s Eve. As we draw closer to the end of the church year, our Gospel readings begin to emphasize the signs of Christ’s Second Coming. In fact, Jesus talks about some of these signs in Mark 13:1-8.

In a sermon often called the Olivet Discourse (because it was delivered on the Mount of Olives), Jesus gave the disciples and us a look into the future. The sermon spoke to both the destruction of the temple by the Romans in 70 AD and the destruction to come when Christ returns. Jesus’ sermon focused attention on preparedness, readiness to suffer, and trust. Jesus began his description of the events to come by emphasizing that many people will claim to be Him. All of them will deceive the people. As the time of Christ’s return draws near, wars and rumours of wars will escalate in number or intensity or both. These conflicts will involve both nation states and ethnic groups. Natural disasters will gain more worldwide attention.

One of the signs Jesus talks about is the destruction of the temple, and he uses that sign to describe what things will be like on earth as the Second Coming draws closer. Many of the stones in the temple were the same weight as a large jet. When the disciples commented on the size of the stones, they were likely expecting a messianic takeover of the temple. They were looking forward to a life of power and prestige. Unfortunately, they still did not realize the true nature of Christ’s kingdom.

The destruction of the temple was the result of its misuse by its leaders. The sacrificial system of the temple could not make sufficient atonement for the sinfulness of mankind. The disciples could not believe that one of the architectural wonders of the world had lost the grandeur of the spirit. Jesus’ conversation about the destruction of the temple was symbolic of the systems and institutions that oppress and exclude people. He was talking about the end of the status quo and the beginning of justice, freedom, and the redistribution and/or redefinition of power and wealth.

When our world is falling apart, God is not through with us-not by a long shot! Jesus reminds us not to create treasures here on earth. We must create treasures in heaven. Things that we think are permanent in our lives are only temporary. Material goods are temporary. They can be taken away. Our journey through life is short. We are travellers passing through. Our true home is in heaven and our true wealth is in knowing Jesus’ love and care for each of us.

The false teachers represented the religious cultism that results from man’s search for spiritual meaning outside of God’s world and word. Man’s self-interest often leads to social upheavals. Natural disasters often occur when the ecological system is upset by things such as pollution. These signs are constantly happening, so Jesus told the disciples not to see them as signs of final judgment. He told them that these signs are precursors to the end-time wrath.

Jesus expects his disciples to be the first people to counter false prophets, condemn war and show compassion to the victims of natural disasters. False prophets arise in every war, cult or natural disaster. If we ignore what they teach, they won’t survive. The main reason why false teachers can thrive is because of our secular society. People do what they please, and they have no time or place for God. All we have to do is look at our congregations on Sunday mornings to see that this is true. People make time for other activities on Sunday but they don’t make time for God. People want to do what they please, and God makes that uncomfortable. They try to gain satisfaction from earthly things such as possessions, status, position or wealth, but the only thing that gives us true satisfaction is faith in God.

When Jesus referred to the pains of childbirth, he was referring to the frequency of the signs of the end time. When a woman is in labour, her contractions are infrequent at first and become more frequent as the baby comes closer to entering the world. In the same way the signs of the end times will be infrequent at first but will escalate to massive and tragic proportions just before Christ’s return.

God’s answer to trouble is trust. He wants us to trust him in times of trouble, especially as the Second Coming draw closer. Faith is the link between heaven and earth. This world is a place where our faith will be refined and where our hope will rest on our future heavenly home-one that will never perish or be destroyed. God is up to stuff that is beyond our ability to understand. Our job is to be alert for it.

This passage from Mark’s Gospel was not meant to make us worry about the future. It was written to offer comfort to first century believers who were struggling to make sense of their world and their lives. We have the same struggles, so this passage gives us comfort as well. A prophet speaks both to their own generation and to future generations. When Jesus spoke to the disciples about the destruction of the temple, the troubles leading up to that day and of the signs that the terrible day was upon them, he was speaking to both their generation and ours. We live in the interim between Christ’s ascension and his return, and in this interim we will experience the same circumstances that Jesus promised his disciples. We will experience false prophets, wars and rumours of wars, natural disasters and persecution.

Jesus reminded the disciples that buildings are only stones and bricks. What really matters is what goes on inside. Life-giving waters are splashed and stories from the Bible are told-stories that are meant to give us guidance while we are on our faith journey. A simple meal of bread and wine is given to all of us, and we gather together to bring all of our joys and concerns and thanksgivings to God.

The destruction of the temple was not the end. It was the beginning. It was not about dismantling God. It was about new beginnings in faith. A building may be destroyed, but the place where God dwells can’t be destroyed because God lives in Jesus and his word as well as in the hearts and minds of all believers.

Our hope is in Christ’s return, which will be the main event of the end times. We must be careful not to be deceived by world events. Instead, we must look forward to the greatest event in history-Christ’s return for his church!

Bibliography

• Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013)

• Collin Wimberly, “Life in the Last Days.” (Preaching Magazine, September/October 2015, pgs. 49-50)

• ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

• McKenna, D.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 25: Mark (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)

• MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

• David Jeremiah, “Troubled by trouble.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
• Pastor Bob Coy, “Earth: Don’t Get Too Comfortable.” Retrieved from www.activeword.org
• Micah D. Kiehl, “Commentary on Mark 13:1-8.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1419
• David Lose, “Apocalypse Now.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/craft.aspx?post=1629
• Brian P. Stoffregen, “Proper 28-Year B; Mark 13:1-8.” Retrieved from www.crossmarks.com/brian/mark13x1.htm
• The Rev. Dr. Kathi Martin, “Flip the Script.” Retrieved from www.day1.org/490-flip_the_script.print.
• Dr. Mickey Anders, “Everything Nailed Down is Coming Loose.” Retrieved from http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/02-Mark/Mark-13.01-8-NailedDown-Anders.htm
• Pastor Vince Gerhardy, “The End is Still to Come.” Retrieved from http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/02-Mark/Mark-13.01-08-EndCome-Gerhardy.htm
• The Rev. Dr. James D. Kegel, “Sic Transit Gloria.” http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/02-Mark/Mark-13.01-08-SicTransit.-Kegel.htm
• Dr. Jeffrey K. London, “Joy Ahead.” Retrieved from http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/02-Mark/Mark-13.01-08-JoyAhead-London.htm

Nov. 11, 2018 is a special day in a special year. It is the day when we pause to remember and give thanks for those who fought in wars past to preserve our freedom and those who still work to protect our freedoms today. This year we also remember the 100^th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.

Anniversaries are times of celebration and reflection. In particular, Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on wars past and present. We live in chaotic times, but the world has been in chaotic times since the beginning of time. We have been fighting wars since the beginning of time, and we are still fighting wars today. Since the end of World War II, there have been more than 250 wars worldwide.

In particular, we are fighting the war on terror, especially the group known as ISIS. We are fighting a hostile enemy in a hostile environment. This enemy will use every weapon at its disposal to try to gain victory-including kidnapping and murdering innocent civilians. This environment, like all environments of war, is hostile. In this environment, conflict is inevitable.

Here in Canada, we might think that we are immune to this. After all, the last time a war was fought on our soil was over 200 years ago during the War of 1812. Unfortunately, having this view is like looking at ourselves through rose-coloured glasses. The 2014 shootings at the National War Memorial and Parliament Hill and the 2014 hit-and-run death of a soldier in Quebec City should serve as reminders that no one is immune from the forces of evil and terror.

No one in his or her right mind wants war. The cost in terms of money, property damage, injuries and death is astronomical, and those of you who have been in battle know what I am talking about. We must love our enemies if at all possible, but sometimes we need to heed the words of an old Irish blessing that goes like this. “May God bless those who love us, and those who do not love us, may He turn their hearts. If he does not turn their hearts, May he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping.”

Unfortunately, there are times when war is necessary. Pacifists believe that if we prepare for war, we will get war. In their view, the only way to achieve peace is to eliminate the causes of war, but sometimes this means going to war. Sometimes war is the only way to get rid of dictators and terrorists like Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Hussein, bin Laden and ISIS. The goal of pacifists is admirable and in fact we must try to avoid war if possible, but sometimes war is necessary and inevitable. Sooner or later war destroys those who resort to it, especially with nuclear weapons.

War is hell. It might be necessary at times, but it is not “good”. It is evil. We find strength not in our weapons, but in our faith in God. War is a tragic fact of life in our world. God prefers peace, but he often sends his people into war. He does so under three conditions:

1. To liberate oppressed people.
2. To punish evildoers
3. To defend themselves.

True pacifists believe in fighting with the weapons of the Holy Spirit. The pacifist position has always been a respected minority position among Christians. Jesus was not a pacifist. Just look at what he did to the moneychangers in the temple! He even told his disciples to be armed with swords-not for fighting snakes, but for self-defense. That’s why Peter was able to cut off the soldier’s ear in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before Christ was crucified.

Our spiritual battle plan is similar to a military battle plan. We have objectives, strategies and tactics. Satan and Jesus plan their attacks and direct their forces just like a military general does. We have to put on spiritual armour just like soldiers have to put on battle armor. Our armour is Christ himself. He fights Satan on our behalf just like armed forces fight battles on behalf of their political masters. The real battle in life is against Satan and evil in all of its forms. Our opponents bring evil into our lives just like enemy armies bring evil onto a physical battlefield.

Life is a battleground. Those of you who fought in times of war know what it is like to be on a real battlefield. You were armed and ready for battle against the forces of evil just like each and every one of us has to be ready to fight the same battle. You had to be watchful, and so do we. We have to watch out for obstacles that will make us stumble on our walk of life, and our veterans had to deal with obstacles such as barriers, barbed wire and mines. Our struggle with evil will result in certain victory because of God’s promise to be with us in good times and in bad times. Our veterans had to keep their minds on their duties in order to improve their odds of success and survival. We as Christians have to increase our chances of success in spiritual warfare by keeping our minds on God’s word. Our veterans had no guarantee that they would win their battles, but they didn’t give up. They persevered in spite of harsh conditions, and so can we because we are bold soldiers in God’s army.

Veterans fought to free people from the bondage of occupation by hostile forces. Spiritual warfare also involves freeing people from bondage-the bondage of sin and evil. There were many times when our veterans cried out in despair for God to protect them. After all, there is an old saying that “there are no atheists in foxholes.” Christian warriors are also encouraged to turn to God in faith. In both cases, evil in all of its forms is resisted. God helps us in our struggles. He will stand with us during the battles of life just like he stood with our veterans in wars past and just like he stands with the members of our armed forces today. He will give us the ammunition and the equipment we need to fight the battle.

So how can we fight the enemies of today and win? The answer is simple. We have to use weapons that are similar in nature to weapons used by soldiers in times of war. These similar weapons were outlined by the apostle Paul in the reading from Ephesians 6:10-17, which we heard read a few moments ago. Each piece of this armour of God is an ethical quality which is derived from the character of Christ and which is ours through faith.

First, we have to put on our helmets. Just like a physical helmet protects soldiers in battle, a spiritual helmet protect Christian soldiers. A soldier on the battlefield has confidence that his helmet will protect his head, and a Christian soldier has confidence that nothing can separate him or her from the love of God. As Paul says in Romans 8:31-39, if God is for us, who can be against us?

Next, we are to arm ourselves with weapons. In the case of a soldier on the battlefield, these weapons include guns and grenades. On the spiritual battlefield, the weapon is the truth of the Word of God.

We are to wear a belt. A soldier’s belt allows him to carry his weapons. A spiritual warrior wears the belt of truth-truth about himself or herself, relationships, God and God’s love, our spouses and children and relatives. The belt of truth allows us to live truthfully and not to live a lie. The belt of truth is the best weapon to use for fighting evil.

We are also to arm ourselves with shields of protection. A soldier on the battlefield today or a police officer on duty wears a bulletproof vest and a helmet. Riot police are also equipped with face shields and full-length body shields. A Christian soldier has the resources of the greatest shield of all-Jesus Christ. He stands with us and fights with us and for us against Satan’s attacks.

A good soldier also needs good footwear. Soldiers wear boots that have to meet tough regulations. Christians are to wear the sandals of peace. Just like a soldier’s boots provide traction for every type of terrain, the good spiritual boot called the Gospel gives Christians the stability of sure footing when we face pain and fear. These spiritual boots will allow us to take the gospel anywhere and everywhere, just like a soldier’s boots will allow him to go anywhere and everywhere.

Even the best equipment does not offer a 100% guarantee of safety, survival and victory. On Nov. 11, we remember those who made the supreme sacrifice to ensure victory in wars past. We have heard the list of donations that have been made and wreaths that have been purchased. All of these wreaths and all of the donations are in memory of those who fought and died in battle. To many of us, these people are just names on a sheet of paper or on a cenotaph, but to those who made the donation or purchased the wreath, these people were husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, many of whom went off to war and never came home. They are still remembered and missed by those they left behind. They are remembered on the cenotaphs in communities throughout this country and on the rows of crosses at Normandy, Pusan and thousands of other cemeteries in this nation and around the world. They were people who hated war but made the Supreme Sacrifice.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this message, 2018 marks the 100^th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. Have we as a society learned anything from these events? Have we as a society learned anything from war at all? The answer to both of these questions is both yes and no. Warfare has taught us that it is something to be avoided if at all possible. In the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows. One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. How much longer must we play at deadly war games before we heed the plaintive pleas of the unnumbered dead and maimed of past wars?”

One thing we as society have not learned from war is that we live in a world where the ambitions and greed of a few can cost the lives of thousands. Nazi Germany was a good example. Hitler’s greed for land and his ambition to get rid of the Jews cost millions of lives. Today we can look at ISIS and see how their goal to create an Islamic state is costing lives and the money that is needed by countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and others to fight this evil.

Is it even possible to live peaceably with others? In a 2014 newspaper column, the late Billy Graham was asked why nations can’t get along with each other. He was also asked if warfare could be eliminated if poverty was eliminated. He stated in his reply that “Even if all poverty were somehow eliminated we’d still have conflicts and wars. This is because our real problem is deeper than economic inequality, or other social or economic problems. Our real problem is within ourselves, within our own hearts and minds.”

As long as there is greed and evil in this world, there will be war. War will only cease when we live according to the way God wants us to live, and that will only happen when Christ returns. Until then, there will always be a Remembrance Day or Veterans Day or Memorial Day, because there will always be a need to remember the lessons of war as well as those who made the Supreme Sacrifice.

Bibliography

•  Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013)
• Franklin Graham, “Standing Strong in Battle.” Retrieved from www.bgea.org

• Stephen Davey, “Dressed for War.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com

• Dr. David Jeremiah, “The Armor of Righteousness.” Retrieved from www.davidjeremiah.org

• Dr. David Jeremiah, “Christ our Armor.” Retrieved from www.davidjeremiah.org

• Pastor Rick Renner, “Spiritual Warfare is real.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com

• Dr. Neil Anderson, “Choosing Truth.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

• Sheri Rose Shepherd, “Stand.” Retrieved from Biblegateway@e.biblegateway.com

• Pastor Rick Renner, “Are You Dressed in the Whole Armor of God?” retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com

• Bruce Epperly, “Justice for Veterans and the Vulnerable: A Veterans’ Day Reflection.” Retrieved from www.patheos.com
• Dunnam, M.D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 31: Galatians/Ephesians/Philippians/Colossians/Philemon (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)
• Craig Condon, “We Will Remember.” Retrieved from the author’s personal sermon library
• Billy Graham, “Why Can’t Nations Get Along?” Retrieved from www.arcamax.com

What kind of legacy do you want to leave when you die? If you knew that today was the last day of your life, what would you do? Are you prepared to spend eternity with God? There are times when we need to stop and look at our lives, what we are doing and whether or not it’s worth the time and effort. We need to decide if our lives have any sense of accomplishment or purpose.

A police officer stopped a driver for going 25 kilometres over the speed limit. After he received the ticket, the driver asked the officer “Don’t you give out warnings?” “Yes, sir,” the officer replied. “They’re all up and down the road. They say, ’Speed Limit 100.’

There are some people who have rejected God all of their lives and refused to accept his forgiveness for their sins. When they stand before God when they die, they will have to give an account of their lives just like the rest of us. When they receive their judgment, they will probably say the same thing as the driver did: “Don’t you give out warnings?”

God will probably reply, “Yes I do. The Bible is full of warnings to prepare for eternity. Every year you were reminded of my offer of forgiveness and eternal life at both Christmas and Easter. I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.” Because they refused God’s offer of forgiveness and salvation, they will have to pay the penalty for their own sins.

Those who believe in God and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour have their names written in God’s Book of Life. They will still have to stand before God in judgment, but instead of being judged for their sins they will be judged on the basis on how they served God here on earth and be rewarded accordingly.

One way we can serve God is to meet the spiritual needs of other people. For example, Rev. Billy Graham’s father-in-law, Dr. Nelson Bell, was a medical missionary to China. He built a 300 bed hospital in the community where he lived. Because of his skill many of his patients were cured, but eventually they died. He knew that it wasn’t enough to meet their physical needs, so every patient who was mobile was required to attend chapel every day in the hospital where they were given a Bible lesson and presented with the Gospel. Those who weren’t mobile were visited by someone who would share Christ with them. Consequently, thousands of Chinese men and women received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour at that hospital.

There is nothing we as humans can do to win our salvation. Not even church membership can win our salvation for us. Only Christ can save us, and our hope and trust must be in him alone. He became the sacrifice we need for our sins, and only he can give us hope for eternal life because of his resurrection. Just has humans die only once and after that they are judged, Christ sacrificed himself once to bear all of our sins and will return to save those who are waiting on him for salvation.

The eternal heavens are realities because they are God’s dwelling place. They are truer than earthly copies. In a similar way, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross because of the single offering of himself is sufficient for all his followers for all time. It was superior to the Old Testament sacrifices because the Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated, and the high priest had to atone for his own sins as well as the sins of the people. Christ was sinless, so he did not have to atone for his own sins. He died once as an offering for all our sins, and he will return to judge the world and save his followers. Each of us has a single life before eternal judgment, so there will be no “second chances” after death.

The copies of the things in heaven were the tabernacle, the laws and the Old Testament rituals. They were only pictures of Christ’s sacrifice. That the heavenly things needed to be purified doesn’t suggest any defilement in heaven, but they represent the complete cleansing brought about by Jesus’ death. This inaugurated heaven itself as the new holy place and Christ as the new and final high priest.

“Presence” actually means “face.” Jesus has entered into the holy places on our behalf and represents us as our mediator, advocate and attorney before God. Because Christ’s sacrifice to put away sin once was sufficient, it doesn’t have to be repeated, unlike Old Testament sacrifices. For this reason, Communion services today do not repeat Christ’s death but celebrate his once-for-all sacrifice.

Christ’s ministry has three tenses:

1. Past: His First Advent to save us from the penalty of sin.
2. Present: He is in heaven to save us from the power of sin.
3. Future: His Second Advent to deliver us from the presence of sin. It will be confirmation that God has been fully satisfied with Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. At that point salvation will be consummated.

God is a God of infinite holiness who can’t stand sin. No sinner can survive in his presence. He is also a God of infinite justice, so all sin must be punished according to his standard of holiness and perfection. His justice calls for death, and if we don’t accept Christ as our Saviour that death will be spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God in hell. God is also a God of love. That’s why he sent Jesus to die on the cross 2,000 years ago in our place to meet the demands of God’s justice so that we can be forgiven of our sins and receive his gift of eternal life.

When Christ first came, he came because of humanity’s sin. When he returns, he won’t atone for sin. Instead, he will complete salvation for his people. We need to be prepared for life after death. We must endeavor to live our lives in such a way that when we stand before God and give an account of how we have lived our lives, God will say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we have the evidence to stand boldly before God in prayer, and we can go boldly into the world to serve others and be witnesses to God’s love.

Bibliography

• Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013)

• ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

• Evans, L.F. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 33: Hebrews (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1985)

• MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

• Lucado, M: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010)

• Ricard Inness, “Know God.” Retrieved from www.actsweb.org

• Ricard Inness, “How to be Sure you’re going to Heaven.” Retrieved from www.actsweb.org

• Ricard Inness, “Ignoring the Warnings.” Retrieved from www.actsweb.org

• Ricard Inness, “God’s Judgment Throne.” Retrieved from www.actsweb.org
• Anne Graham Lotz, ”Physical & Spiritual Needs.” Retrieved from angelmin.info@angelministries.org
• Billy Graham, “If I’m Not a Church Member, Will I Be Kept Out of Heaven?” Retrieved from www.arcamax.com
• Dr. Harold Sala, “If Only You Knew.” Retrieved from www.guidelines.org
• Lee Ann Dunlap, “Dots on a Screen.” Retrieved from www.esermons.com

When I was preparing this message, I found a story about a little boy who went to church one Sunday morning to get out of the cold. He had been trying to sell newspapers, but no one had passed by. He entered the church, hoping to pass an hour unnoticed in the back row. The minister delivered a powerful sermon about Jesus and his love for us. At one point during the service, they took an offering.

One of the ushers stopped right in front of the boy and held out the offering plate. After a long pause, the boy asked the usher to put the plate on the floor. Then the little boy did something unusual. He stepped into the offering plate, first one foot and then the other. He slowly looked up and with tears streaming down his cheeks said, “Mister, I don’t have any money. I haven’t sold a single newspaper today, but if Jesus did all that the minister said he did just for me, I will gladly give my life to Him”.

The story of Ruth and Naomi and the Parable of the Widow’s Mite provide some very interesting contrasts between the Christian’s way and society’s way. Both are stories of how God uses the culture of Jesus’ time to do his will in our society and teach us how we are supposed to care for each other.

In Old Testament times, the Law of Moses stated that the poor, orphans and widows were to be cared for, but in most cases the care that was provided was the bare minimum that was required. For example, farmers who grew grain were to leave the grain in the rows at the edges of their fields for the widows and orphans, but that was it. The farmers did not have to take the grain to the widows, nor did they have to bring the poor to their fields so they could pick the grain.

That was what Ruth and Naomi were doing in the field. They were picking the grain that was left for widows such as Naomi. Now Naomi had a big problem. Not only was she a widow, but both of her sons were dead, so it was just Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. Naomi was planning to go back to her homeland, and Ruth was going to go with her, so Naomi decided to play matchmaker by encouraging Ruth to “introduce” herself to her distant relative Boaz, who happened to own the field that they were working in. Ruth followed Naomi’s advice, and the result was that she and Boaz married and became the parents of Obed, who became the father of Jesse, who became the father of King David…and from that lineage of David came Jesus. God took a bad situation for Naomi and used it to fulfill his purpose.

Jesus later used another widow to fulfill his purpose-namely, to teach us the value of giving to God’s work. The Parable of the Widow’s Mite took place in Jerusalem during the week before Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus taught his disciples to beware of those who act pious and holy on the outside but who are evil and corrupt on the inside. He used the example of the scribes. They wore long flowing robes and enjoyed the privileges of their position. They enjoyed the adoration they received from the ordinary people in the street, and they had the best seats in the synagogues. They also used crooked schemes to force widows out of their own homes.

Even today, those in power sometimes lose compassion and take advantage of others, including widows, orphans and the poor. They do not have a heart to love and serve God. In fact, they often stand between us and God. In contrast, both widows revealed faith in a caring God. He will not overlook them, and he does not overlook us. The widows encourage us to hold on to our faith in a God who will not disappoint us.

Jesus always championed social justice, which means caring for the less fortunate in society. He and the disciples were sitting in the area of the temple treasury. The treasury contained thirteen trumpet-shaped chests where people could deposit their gifts and the temple tax. Jesus could see how much money people gave. He could see the large sums of money that the scribes and the wealthy gave, and he could also see how much the widow gave. He used a comparison of the gifts to illustrate their significance.

The wealthy gave out of their abundance. That is, they gave out of what they had left after they paid their bills and purchased the necessities of life, including food. In contrast, the poor widow gave all that she had. By putting all of her money into the temple treasury, the widow probably had to go without food for at least one meal. In Jesus’ eyes, she gave more than all the rich people simply because she gave everything to God.

Many large donations are given at least in part because of the public relations value. Jesus doesn’t condemn large gifts from wealthy people, but he does say that the effect of the widow’s small donation is even bigger than any large donation because she gave out of what she had. She put God first and she is a good example for us to follow. We must always put God first.

God gives us resources to use, including money. In return, we have to manage these resources in God’s best interests-including caring for the poor. Let me give an example from my own life. I am the secretary-treasurer for the local food bank. My duties include receiving cash donations from people and recording them. I can’t get into specifics because of confidentiality, but I can tell you that the donations I see are a good example of the Parable of the Widow’s Mite. Some people give more than others, which is understandable given different income levels, but I can tell you that there are cases where the donations come from people who do indeed give most if not all of what they have. In addition, my mother and I made separate donations to the food bank each month. These were sacrifices for us because of her fixed income as a senior citizen and my low income from part-time work at the time, but like the widow, we gave out of all that we have.

Love and giving describe our lifestyles and what we were made for. Life is meant to be lived outward to the world, not inward to ourselves. God has hardwired us for generosity. When we live generously, it shows in our faces and in our lives. People in the health care profession are a good example. They show genuine care and compassion for their patients. They are not in the profession just for show. They are in the profession because they care.

God measures giving not by what we give, but by what we keep for ourselves. He measures the gift by the sacrifice involved. That is why Jesus valued the widow’s gift. She sacrificed her well-being in order to show her love for God-just like Jesus showed his love for us by dying on the cross to save us. Ruth also sacrificed her own plans for her life to stay with her mother-in-law, and God rewarded her by making her the great-grandmother of King David. If Ruth, the widow, and Jesus can make sacrifices for others, surely we can make sacrifices for others.

Bibliography

• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary. Part of Lessonmaker 8 Bible Software package.

1. Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Part of Lessonmaker 8 Bible Software package.
2. ESV Study Bible. Part of Lessonmaker 8 Bible Software package.
3. The Rev. Francis Wade, “Against Giving”. Retrieved from www.day1.org
4. Exegesis for Mark 12:38-44. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com
5. McKenna, D.L and Ogilvie, L.J., The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 25: Mark (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)
6. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, 32^nd Sunday (B)”. Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org
7. Steve Preston, “Great Riches”. Retrieved from bibletalk@freegroups.net
8. Bishop Kenneth L. Carder, “The Lavish Gifts of the Poor”. Retrieved from www.day1.org
9. Micah D. Kiel, “Mark 12:38-44, Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B”. Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org/preaching_print.aspx?commentary_id=1418
10. Dr. Philip W. McLarty, “The Widow’s Might”. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com
11. “Giving our All”. Retrieved from http://sermons4kids.com/giving_our_all_print.htm