Date: 7/24/2003
Time: 9:27:36 AM
The dedication of the temple concludes with the transfer of the sacred utensils and the elaborate gifts deriving from David's conquests. Now Solomon has the ark of the covenant itself brought into the temple.
Date: 8/17/2003
Time: 8:20:55 PM
This likens to us---we are beaconed to by Holy Spirit(Cloud) prevenient grace---God dwelling in a Holy- tie this with last week's Proverbs one preparing the house---how do you and I prepare our house-our bodies the temple for God to dwell in? Do we eat spiritual Junk food? Garbage in, then Garbage out...are we a sanctuary for God to dwell in? Clerically_blonde in West Ohio
Date: 8/18/2003
Time: 6:22:33 AM
Hi, My early thought concerning preaching on this text is to focus on communal prayer. I see five points. First, Solomon has an assembly (v.1). Then God is present (v.s 6,10-11) in the cloud—I may take this opportunity to teach a bit about the theophanic Cloud). Third, I think that in our prayers it is important to praise God (v.s 22-24)—I read a discussion about this in Dunnam’s Workbook on Living Prayer. Next, it seems to me that Solomon essentially prays “Thy Will Be Done,” in v.s 25-30. Fifth, the inclusion of the prayer of the foreigner in v.s 41-43 may be an opportunity to discuss the sincere prayers of different great Christians such as Meister Eckart, Julian of Norwich, St. Augustine, and the Cloud of Unknowing. I am interested in any stories, ideas, or suggestions.
Leon in NC<><
Date: 8/18/2003
Time: 2:14:56 PM
At one of my churches we are experimenting this year with ecumenical services in the summer, Tradition has been that each of the three Protestant churches hosts and leads worship for three weeks each summer. This year, they have broken with tradition and each church participates in each service. (There are always at least two clergy or reps from two of the three churches represented in the leadership). Thus, we are really working together in a ministry of ecumenical worship. This week's readings are pertinent to our ecumenical summer worship. "Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house I have built!" While our churches celebrate our particular Christian traditions (Church of England, Church of Scotland, etc.)in style and design and worship, architecture, etc., we also acknowledge that the church is more than any tradition can contain. In verses 42-43, it is interesting to note the role of "the foreigner" in keeping our vision from becoming insular and myopic. We have a large community of immigrants from Africa. What is it that the "foreigner" is calling to us? (v43)about being faithful worshippers in God's house? It reminds me how I felt to be labelled an "alien" as an international student when I was studying theology in the US. To call someone a "foreigner" is to acknowledge that she/he is an outsider to the culture and tradition; but to call someone an "alien" is to de-humanize them. Early thoughts. Roberta
Date: 8/18/2003
Time: 5:39:12 PM
My working title for this sermon is "The House of God." Solomon talks about not being able to contain God in this "house" he has built, and the Psalm speaks of how lovely is the dwelling place of God. Three points I'm planning:
1. What makes a church into a house of God? It isn't the architecture, or the stained-glass windows, it's the spirit of God that dwells there. It can be a magnificent cathedral, or a storefront church in the inner city, but if one can sense the Holy Spirit there, then it's the house of God.
2. Is your own house the house of God? Do you go to church each week, and think "thank goodness that's over; now I don't have to see God for another week"? Are you glad to leave God behind at the church? Or would God feel welcome in your house? How would you feel if you went into someone's house and didn't feel welcome? Does God feel welcome in your house? Do you act in your house the way you act in church? In other words, do you honor God when you're at home, as well as when you're with other Christians?
3. Your body is also the house of God. Do you honor Him with your body, as well? Would He feel welcome with your personal habits, or would they make Him feel uncomfortable? Do you invite God to possess your body, as well as your soul?
And one more thing: The scripture talks about the foreigner coming to pray. Does your church (and do you)welcome newcomers/foreigners? Are there greeters at the door, making sure people feel good about coming there? I've spent this summer doing pulpit supply at a dozen or so churches, and I've felt in many of them as though if you're not a member, you're not really welcome. We've got a kid from the neighborhood who comes by every day, all day, to play with my kids, because his home life isn't great. To my shame, I don't welcome him. To her credit, and to God's glory, my wife does, and makes him feel at home. She is doing God's work by welcoming this "foreigner."
Just some thoughts; any suggestions/comments?
Will in NJ
Date: 8/20/2003
Time: 10:25:59 AM
I'm going in your direction Will in NJ. It seems there is a tension between not being able to contain God in this or any house and yet praying like Solomon did that God would indeed be present in the building and that those who come to that place, whether sinner, or foreigner would be blessed by God's presence.
Our presbytery has a web site and they want a picture of our church. I'm so tired of seeing pictures of buildings...what does that say about the church -- almost nothing. I'd like to get a picture of the congregation on the front lawn. It still wouldn't capture who we are as a church, but better than just a building.
On the other hand, there is something to the building and inviting God's blessing on it. I'm thinking that this would be a good Sunday to pray for different parts of our church building and ask God's presence. KBinAB
Date: 8/20/2003
Time: 12:21:32 PM
As I was looking at this passage I came across an article by Walter Brueggeman on the previous chapter of 1 Kings that got me thinking about this passage in a slightly different light. Here is the link for anyone else who would like to look at it: http://www.theotherside.org/archive/jul-aug98/brueggemann.html
Amittai Dominic
Date: 8/22/2003
Time: 3:44:54 PM
Here in Houston we are trying to decide what to do with the Astrodome, once considered the 8th Wonder of the World. Its dedication was dazzling - the scoreboard alone cost a million dollars in 1965 - a cowboy chasing a bull with a lasso every time the Astros hit a home run. Now it sits silent, out classed by new stadiums with retractable roofs. Solomon's Temple was dedicated with a similar fanfare (much more extravagant to be sure). Such glory that day! Such sadness when it was destroyed! I'm still working, but wanted to share that parallel.
Preacher Pat