Early thought....
I was struck by this passage as I listened to it leaving our national church meeting. This is what is happening in many mainline denominations.
You can find a "biblical" scholar to support just about any position you desire, using words of scripture. Just what your itching ears want to hear. But is it sound Biblical Theology based on Holy Scripture. (the use of CAPITALS is intentional)
"All scripture is inspired by God..." and yet many in our churches like to pick and choose what they believe to be God's Word. If it makes us uncomfortable, we highlight it with a black highlighter and ignore it.
"I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching."
The message of society makes the Christian faith unfavorable to those who want to do their own thing. As Christians, we follow Christ, which requires us to do things by God's agenda not our own. God's ways are not our ways. We can not use scientific knowledge to disregard God's plan for humanity. Our Sovereign Lord calls us to a holy life in all aspects of our life.
"Revival of church life always brings in its train a richer understanding of the Scriptures. Behind all the slogans and catchwords of ecclesiastical controversy, necessary though they are, there arises a more determined quest for him who is the sole object of it all, for Jesus Christ himself." These words introduce "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
"will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths" The Israelites turned away with their Baal worship intertwined with their worship. The homosexual agenda in the church today is our false doctrine and people who believe this myth have wandered away from God and the Christ revealed in Scripture. If we want true renewal of the Christian faith in America, let us get back to basics in seeking God's will for our life, all aspects of our life including our sexuality.
Now that I've got some people riled up. The Christian Church is called to be in ministry to those who struggle with their sexuality. They are welcome like all sinners into worship and church membership. We should support those with AIDS and be the family for those who have been rejected by family members. Those who seek to be chaste/celebate can be ordained to office and forgiven for sinful behavior of which they repent. But sound doctrine from Scripture, can not allow non-repentant sinners (including hetersexual unfaithfulness) to remain in leadership positions.
As Karl Barth stated (paraphrase) Scripture is a bombshell on the liberal playground.
Jonesey in WI
Way to go Jonesey in WI. I've always said it takes a good Theologin to mess up a simple statement by Jesus. Harold in Alabama
Wandering. Choosing to listen only to those who preach what we want to hear. I think we are all guilty of this - conservative and liberal, mainline and independent. I think this should hit us all square in the eyes. Are not all sinners who are falling short of the grace of God? Too much finger pointing!!! PH in OH
I think Jonesey needs to go back to chapter 3 and see what Paul is actually speaking of and I don't think it is homosexuality how in the world did you tie that scripture to homosexuality? Are you not doing in essence what Paul speaks about, you are changing the words to tie in with your beliefs! There are too many others things going on in the world to tie this to homosexuality. I believe Paul tells Timothy to preach the gospel, he is dealing with issues like Gnostics, who said that they had a special knowledge reserved for those with true understanding and that knowldge was the secret key to salvation. He was also dealing with persecution from Nero, and that is the reason that Paul writes this letter from prison.
There are a couple of first thoughts that I have about this scripture. We who are in ministry wrestle with the scriptures on a regular basis and can get involved in these big discussions about who is distorting what in the "inspired" word of God, but the reality is that we are living in a more and more biblically illiterate time. And as much as I love the Bible and have been personally transformed by it, I know that it is very difficult to convince people of the worth of committing themselves to a real Bible study. So, I struggle with that
I see the word of hope that I need and that the church needs in these difficult times. And that is the "equipping" that God does of us through his word. And I think that will be my point. Just beginning the process. Margot
I think I will focus on the opening verse "knowing from whom you learned" In ministry its the people that make the difference. As we think of our own faith journies it is the names and faces of those who taught us, led us and showed us the love of God that come so vividly to mind. We too are to proclaim the message so that others may know the beauty of Christ. Who will know Christ b/c we shared what we learned? Will our children and youth be able to see Christ at work within us and one day be able to remember those who took the time to share the gospel with them. I think I will work backwords. Scripture is one of the disciplines we use to share Christ. "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so" In all reality, if it was not for those who shared the stories of faith found in Scripture we would not know the love of Jesus. Some rambling thoughts. mg in nc
I, too, struggle with trying to inspire my congregants to involve themselves in regular (and serious) Bible study. Perhaps it requires a commitment that many are not ready to make; engaging God's word can be risky business. The OT and Psalm readings seem to point towards a personal and holy blessedness coming from the Law (and I'm incorporating the NT into this) being a formative part of our lives.
It would appear that the whole point of this text is an encouragement to delve into Scripture deeply and responsibly, and not to highlight our favorite portions while deleting others. Call it human sinfulness, or limitation, or the baggage we all carry into our reading of the Scripture. I say it's impossible for human beings to read Scripture from a purely unbiased point of view. We have been corrupted by sin, whether by our own misdeeds or by a more corporate, worldly sin, and, relying on our own intellect will corrupt our reading of Scripture. We just have to recognize that the perfect and inspired word of God will be less than perfect the minute it gets mixed up with our imperfection.
Not too articulate, but I'm working on it!
Sally in GA
The context of hearing these words brought homosexuality to mind and the constant battle with modern day Gnostic thought in our churches. There are some who twist the Gospel of Jesus to not require repentence of sin. I've heard claims that "the Biblical writers did not understand sexual orientation." That thought limits a Sovereign God.
Within our context today we must understand "that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant....lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power." 2 Tim 3:1ff.
In our culture, many don't want to hear the truth from Scripture for it makes us uncomfortable. I liked thought from Phillis Tribble (I don't agree with her conclusions) "that when we wrestle with Scripture, like Jacob wrestling with God we are changed." We are transformed by God's word. Yet, many would change God's Word to fit their understanding and disregard the rest.
Our task is to help people to come to know that changing power. An expectation of Bible Study, comes with the call to membership. Study is not an option for a Christian. We grow in our faith by seeking God's guidance found in Scripture. That only happens when we read and seek to understand God's point of view.
Are we following the example of Paul as he followed Christ, or are we following the ways of the world? What conduct have we demonstrated to our congregation about the importance of Scripture? What do we teach? What is our aim in life? How do we demonstrate our faith? Are we patient? Do we love as God loves or as a 60's hippie? Have we been steadfast? How are we in the church persecuted for our belief? Are we suffering for the truth of the Gospel?
May we instruct others to salvation with God's truth and grace. May we love our neighbor without condoning their sin.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, sot that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, (not just the pastor) equipped for good work." (v. 16-17)
Jonesey in WI a second look
Having just come from the gospel page, where Jesus is urging to "pray always and don't lose heart", the words here that catch my attention are, continue...be proficient...be persistent...endure...carry out your ministry fully. Seems steadfastness is the issue of the day, and how timely, now that our comfort and confidence are being shaken. tom in TN(USA)
I too read Jonesey from WI with a heavy heart. It feels very easy to point and blame homosexuals for every ill in America. What about gross consumerism, corporate victimization, or even now what about patriotism as the new religion? Does not this word say anything about any of these? I don't believe I am off the hook, nor my congregation just because the majority of us are heterosexual. I'm trying to work on the beam in my own eye.......... J in NY
I agree that there are many issues in American Culture which wanders away to myths. One came to mind as I heard this text after a meeting where it was the focus of much discussion.
I believe God's Word has much to say to us, individually and corporately. We are to be steadfast to God's truth in all aspects of our life. God's Word does not change but changes us when we open our hearts to the teaching, correcting, and directing power of God. When we are open to God's inspired Word, then we will find freedom from our sin. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ whom we worship and serve. We become sanctified by becoming more like Christ revealed in Scripture not of our own creation.
Jonesey in WI
As I look at this today I am wondering about "itchy ears" and the myths that people wander into. What came to my mind was the "I'm spiritual but not religious" story of many people I encounter. And also the prosperity gospel - "I give to get." What other concrete examples do you have of ways people wander from the truth? Margot
This being Laity Sunday, I'm thinking to focus on the role of the laity in faith and the Church. The writer to Timothy gives us a snapshot of this dyamic: "People will not put up with sound doctrine, will turn away, wander away." "As for YOU (clergy) be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully."
There is a way in which the laity nowadays are both keeping our clergy accountable to the scriptures and wandering away from the scriptures at the same time. It has to do with our culture. We want the good life, but on our own terms. We want to be good Christians, but are slow to understand what that means in terms of the SIMPLE life.
Prophets (clergy) are called to look beyond the rules and boundaries of a legalism message to see the real call of God: to love all.
Clare in Iowa
Some opening thoughts in the middle of the week . . .
One commentary I read notes that this passage has to do with the FUNCTION of scripture, not just its NATURE. The words the apostle uses here are not all that popular: teaching, reproof, correction, training--all terms relating to our human need for divine discipline. And this age is notoriously "undisciplined." I wonder about exploring various forms of guidance in our world and how they leave a lack that only scripture can address.
As some have noted, these words are addressed to church leaders, not to laity, per se. One approach would be to honestly explore how our one's own need for these admonitions has been revealed.
Also, this passage and the gospel reading will be read in a world where we put a premium on individualistic endeavors and privatistic practices of spirituality. But both speak to the communal dimensions of Christian life. We (the Church) are called to be a COMMUNITY OF INTERCESSORS (Luke) and a COMMUNITY OF INTERPRETERS (2 Timothy).
Blessings,
TK in OK
I am working with UMW, and am tying this to Mary Magdeline and her transformation and consquent discipleship. A woman will do a soliquiy interpretation first, followed by a music cut from Jesus Christ Superstar. Guess I am thinking out loud, but I welcome any thoughts on this. I have to keep it short this week, I think only 10mins or so. Nancy in Wis
Timothy is a church leader and a friend of Pauls. Paul writes to him from a prison cell because he was arrested for being a Christian leader. Rome, as leader of the world at that time, is terrifying Christian Churches and their leaders. For some churches in this time period their stand for Christ has taken a twist in the intrest of safety. I also need to remember the scriptures mentioned here are the Law and the prophets (there was no NT at this time).
With all of this in mind I also need to remember Paul taught Timothy about the ways of Jesus Christ in relation to the scriptures and his own spiritual experience of the Lord. The love God has for us all is found in the OT and was fully realized in what Christ gave to the world when he died for that message and was resurrected out of his faithfulness to this mission of love. To twist this understanding of who God was, and is, and continues to be, pushes away the truth. I see this passage as a plea for all who read it to keep a stronghold in Christ. As Paul once said, "when we are weak then we are strong." ~KB in Ks.
I find it interesting that the entire discussion here is focussing on Scripture and not on the evangelistic mandate given in the second half of the Scriptures. Are we in mainline Christianity focusing our energies on debating Scripture while many outside the church look toward "myths" to find someone willing to speak the truth? While we debate Scripture, people outside the church are lost and looking for guidance elsewhere. Sam in SC
There does not seem to be anything in these verses which indicates the concern is for those "outside the church" (as Sam in SC is focusing on). Now that does not mean that Paul and Timothy are UNconcerned about such folks; just that this passage (and the whole thrust of I/II Timothy) is addressed to the Christian community--Paul's warning about turning from truth is aimed at Christians, not "pre-Christians."
That being said, we can point out that a faithful focus on God's Word will lead us to be MORE focused on sharing the gospel beyond the walls of the church. Could it be that we (Christians at large) have forgotten our own story, "the sacred writings that are able to instruct you [all] for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus," and so we find ourselves needing to get our bearings (which means "debating scripture")?
TK in OK
Sam in SC: I think we are emphacising the scriptures because those inside the church don't seem to know them any better than those outside. A couple of us were talking in my church about evangelism and we think the problem is that people inside the church don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and thus are unwilling even to invite somebody to church. I think the world is having much more influence on the church than the church on the world. People are Biblically illiterate. How can we do ministry when people only think they know what they believe? This is Week of the Ministry in our denomination and I want to stress equipping people for ministry. PH in OH
"proclaim the message" I think for both in and outside of the church. We need to speak the truth in love as many wander away to myths, both in and outside of the church.
Great Article in "Christianity Today" August 9, 1999 by Gary Burge a professor at Wheaton College .
He begins with a Jay Leno routine asking for Bible trivia answers from an audience. Then compares with the basic illiteracy of college freshman at a Christian college. 1/3 don't know the basic stories of the Bible nor the themes of God's divine interaction. Later he shares a theme for Reformed Christians "sola Sriptura", with a quote from Roland Bainton "The reformers detroned the Pope and enthroned the Bible." Luther, Calvin, et al had a passion for God's Holy Word as our guide to life!
Jonesey in WI
ONE Question here... CAN YOU SAY WESLEY QUADRALATERIL????? I think you can...(to coin MR Rodgers') 1. Scripture 2. Tradition 3. Experience 4. Reason As I review back over this passage of scripture and as I read over the posts here! I think just titled my Sermon....DUH... What shapes us...what keeps our ears from being itchy....the Wesley Quad thing! all this work togeter to Perfect us...and when we do so, whether we do so in the BIg City Classical music Church, the Contemporary Church or Blended, or Rural Country Traditional, do so by sticking to what we know thru the Scriptures, our traditions and Experince and reason....Procliam the Word and Make Disciples! Sound Doctrine! We dont need to play around in Church to be entertained but to be DISCIPLED!!!! to have an Eduring faith....PERSISTANCE AND CONSISTANCY.... SO Fellow Preachers GO PREACH THE GOSPEL HAVe a faith that endures and love the people!!!! Ladypreacher in West Ohio Conf.
Just my two cents worth....
I don't know what denomination Jonesy is....but our denomination (Presbyterian USA) is struggling with the issue of ordination standards for leadership as elders, deacons or ministers of the Word and Sacrament. We have as one of our standards, chasity in singleness, or marriage defined as being between a man and a woman. And, it is incredible to me that very sincere Christians on both sides of the issue can claim that scripture supports their position. So, I believe as Jonesy does that the dialogue over homosexual, as well as heterosexual activity outside of marriage is very relevant to this passage. Does scripture hold up a standard for us in the midst of our "arguments?" Or do we merely pick and choose those passages that support our position, whatever that position may be? Do we look for pastors who will tell us what our itching ears want to hear, regardless of what it is we want to hear? Apparently we do, since both "sides" claim that scripture supports them.
I guess I weary of the "finger pointing" that goes on if a person even brings up the topic. We talk about murder, over-zealous patriotism, gluttony (my particular sin) and no one tries to silence the speaker. I would hope that we could also raise issues of sexuality without being made to feel like we are "out of line."
I am a pastor that takes the "conservative" view on the issue, but I also rejoice that in our congregation, we have open and honest discussions about sexuality....in love....and we have people who have all different perspectives on the issues. We have a gay couple, a lesbian couple, several heterosexual couples who are not married....and we have decided that we will learn together...we will study scripture together...and that as we love one another and love God, He will lead us into the place He wants us to be.
Thanks for listening.
Jude in Wash
LadyPreacher:
I apologize if you already know this: Wesley never specifically mentioned "quadrilateral," even though the idea was taken from his writings and preaching.
I'm thinking along the lines of "going on to perfection." As God's word is written on our hearts, we grow in Christian love and our bond to the world (and sin) becomes less and less influential in our lives. This is why it's necessary to "keep after" the believers - too often we (even as preachers) get lulled into thinking that faithfulness means attending worship and reading our devotional guide. However commendable these activities may be, they don't "push the envelope," so to speak.
Sally in GA
Jonesy -
Please show me in scripture where it says definitively that homosexuality is a sin. Did you know that the original languages don't even have a word for homosexual? Strangely, I could say that reading this passge brings religious bigotry to mind, but that's not what it's about either.
Jim in FL
1st Corinthians 6:9; 1st Timothy 1:10; Romans 1: 24-29; All these come to mind from the New Testament...and of course we have the three in the Old Testament...2 in Leviticus I believe and a third somewhere else....
And of course, if we want a clue as to how Jesus felt about sex outside of marriage, we have the story of the woman caught in adultery...although none of the Pharisees could "cast the first stone", Jesus told the woman to go....and SIN no more.
And...I don't know where you learned your Hebrew and Greek, but there are words in both that most clearly do refer to homosexual behavior. However, since they are both dead languages......I suppose we can make the words say just about anything we choose....kind of like "itching ears" I guess....
Saturday morning musings....
Jude in Wash...
For what it is worth at this late hour . . .
All week I have wondered (and wandered) about which passage to preach, unable to make up my mind between them--and yesterday morning it struck me: why not use all three of them (and Ps. 19) as a call to worship? There are probably several connections that could be drawn between the readings, but the one I have come to stems from this reading in II Tim. The apostle is talking about the supreme value of the scriptures in shaping lives of faith--and I want to highlight that in inspirational terms, more than in informational ones.
I have decided to focus on the role of scripture in the community of faith--nothing extraordinary, I know, but with a twist. I've titled my meditation "Holy Imagination."
It strikes me that the stories behind all three of these passages are poignant points, terminal times--in the life of a prophet, the Savior himself, and an apostle. Jeremiah's people, quite rightly, believe the covenant is at an end. Jesus is wondering about his work after he must leave it to his disciples ("Will the son of man find faith on the earth?"). And Paul, in chains and nearing his own death, is doing all he can to inspire a young leader to be faithful in the face of questions and trials. What is left for each of them but to hope, and hope hard? Most of scripture is penned and its stories told at such critical crossroads--meaning that what we have in our holy writings is a repository of holy imagination. Does that mean the prophet and the Savior and the apostle are out of touch with reality? OF COURSE! For at the end of earthly reality, heavenly possibilities emerge--new covenants for the next generation, divine justice in response to praying people, young servants to carry on the work. So I will simply tell the people about these stories behind our great Story and invite them to let God's Word help them dream God's dreams.
Two concerns drive my focus. One, on a personal basis, is that Christians keep the Bible at arm's length, never really letting it get to them (and that includes us preachers, too!). Or, perhaps worse, we view it only from a technical or functional angle--which causes us to miss the enormous passion behind Ps. 19 or 119 and II Timothy, too.
My other concern is communal. Ironically and problematically, in a time of biblical illiteracy (as some of you have noted) we tend to use less scripture than ever before in our worship services. In a wrong-headed and ill-fated attempt to attract people, we neglect or ignore our very story of faith (which is part of the reason we truly reach fewer folks). I've been guilty of this, telling myself that less is more, because people don't know the Bible as well and so we should take more time with bite-size portions. Now, I am under conviction by the Holy Spirit through this familiar reading from the ancient apostle. I am convinced we ought to be reading more scripture, not less on Sunday morning--and I am determined that, as long as I'm the pastor of this church, such will be the case.
In short, here is an opportunity to invite folks to let the Bible fuel their thoughts, fire their hopes, and drive their dreams.
Blessings, TK in OK
By the way, noticed I left the impression that I would use all 3 readings as a call to worship--only Ps. 19 for that. The others for the time of proclamation. And I forgot to mention that we will have 3 different readers, too--a wonderful opportunity to plug more people into the worship service.
TK in OK
This passage from II Timothy reminds us of: 1) The total sufficiency of the Word of God 2) The total dependence we have on the Word of God. 3) The Solemn obligation we have to proclaim the Word of God.
The Scripture when learned from childhood makes one wise unto salvation. Its use by the Spirit in conviction is here seen and is illustrated in thousands of lives throughout history. Spuregon found the Word to be so convicting that long before his true conversion he found himself concerned about his soul because of it. Luther found himself under deep conviction struggling with sin because he was a man of the Book. That Sacred writing is "Inspired" Literally God breathed and because it is the very breath of God it is profitable for teaching and for reproof and for correction and for instruction in righteousness. This is to be preached from pulpits and from people in the work place against the backdrop of people who have sold themselves out to moral relativism. Ours is a society frightened by the thought of anything that judges or condemns and in that self contradicting philosophy finds itself getting closer and closer to the precipice from which no culture has ever survived. Paul's mandate to Timothy to preach that Word in days of grave danger is so very appropriate for the age in which we presently live.
Glen Miller
Glen,
Thanks for your very articulate and truthful post. I was especially moved by this line: "Ours is a society frightened by the thought of anything that judges or condemns and in that self contradicting philosophy finds itself getting closer and closer to the precipice from which no culture has ever survived." You've eloquently described the proverbial slippery slope this culture now finds itself in. The solution is the Word and the courageous preaching of the same.
Thanks again... please write again soon.
Rick in Va
Friends,
"People who have sold themselves out to moral relativism" have not experienced the love of God in their own lives nor seen it expressed as such in the lives of others. Our society has certianly been pushed into the present moral crisis by those whose "love has grown cold." All people, in our churches and out of our churches, must first be loved with the love that is in Christ. Then they will hear the Word of God.
Throughout this letter, Paul keeps reminding Timothy of the love of God that has made all the difference in his life from the world that has rejected God's Word. "But," Paul says, it was not so with "you."
"Love the people lavishly, then preach the Word faithfully," goes the old adage for effective pastoral ministry. All we who have ever preached the Word with results can first thank God for the love we have in our hearts through Christ Jesus, our Lord.
In Christ's love,
OKBob
To: OKBob:
Bob you are certainly "O.K." and wise..The old adage,"Love the people lavishly and preach the Word faithfully," resounds with my personal experience of 35 years in the ministry. It takes time to surrender to such wisdom in one's pastoral care of the people with whom we cast our lives. It is in the setting of an accepting faith community lead by a pastor with an "understanding heart" that seekers mature to become believers. I love the story of Paul's warm relationship with the younger Timothy. One needs to recall the family setting of Timothy's mother and grand-mother Euncie and Lois to discern the heartfelt sets of relationships which were cultivated between and among Paul, Timothy and the two women. It is in a community setting of mutual warm regard and human trust that the Word/Jesus was proclaimed to those who never knew Him personally. Only later did Word/Scripture become accepted as the foundation of faith and life. Only then can the challenges of a stark reality be met with a constant faith. Rick in VA, I sincerely understand your earnest desire to preach the Truth of the Word. You are truly admirable in this virtue. I pray that you do have the opportunity to enter seminary and progress toward your desire for ordination as an Episcopal priest. However, you will never be afforded a course in the seminary curriculum which will teach what both OK Bob and I are sharing out of our own growth in meditating constantly on the Word and cultivating a pastoral approach to proclaiming the Truth of Scripture....This is not a rebuke, but passed on to you with caring regard. Thanks Bob...Peace Rick... Gregory in Dot, MA
Gregory in DOT, MA and OKBob,
There is much for me to learn and I accept what you've written. I must temper my zeal with lavish love. I believe that will happen the more I learn to surrender my will to His. Hanging out with you folks here at this site is helping. I want to believe that Preaching the Word faithfully, including those passages that seem harsh or 'judgmental' is lavishing love upon it's hearers. But I do understand that my belief is less important than the belief of the hearers of the Word and so must approach preaching (and pastoral care) with fear and trambling.
Thanks for the words,
Rick in Va
Let's make trambling up there trembling... I suffer from a bad case of happy fingers...
Who said the Bible is the most purchased and least read book in the history of the world? The exact quote would be nice.
Kingdom DJ
My focus will be the 16th - 17th verses. Scripture and the mission of Timothy with Christians is intended to see to it that "everyone who belongs to God may be proficient and equipped" My theme is that the Bible hasn't done its job until we are doing our's. Since our job is God's mission we must be formed by the Bible and by the relationships that nurture our faith so as to do the ministry from right motives, (love) right means (ends don't justify the means even in church work) and right methods (these vary according to our gifts and particular situation and the call of God) I feel that so much of our energy is spent on theories of inspiration that we forget that God not only inspired the Scripture but that the Scripture is intended to shape us that God breathes through the book and intends to breath throughus into the world. Lewis
This time of the year in the lectionary, I often feel that it's okay to not include one of the readings for that Sunday, because they are not meant to all "track" with each other. Although I am not going to preach on this one, it will be read on Sunday, because it explains to the congregation the very issues that we are wrestling with at this time, in particular, the role of the pastor.
My strength is in preaching and teaching, my weakness is in overattention to administrative details. I have no secretary, I do most of the office work, often getting bogged down in it. Saying "no" is something that is hard for me. I have let this church have such a high expectation of office stuff, that it is difficult to pull back from it without more frustration erupting somewhere, directed at me.
But pull back I must, and I am doing it now. Some very important paperwork is still sitting on my desk, because I have chosen to spend time with people, listening to their frustration, often directed at me. After some initial anger on my part, I have chosen not to take it personally. Either way, whether to do as I have been doing in the office, or pulling back, it's catch 22. That's why this passage means so much to me, helping me to focus on what my calling is and letting the other stuff (my own monstrous creation!) slide.
Rather than seek a change in my status at this church, as many of my UM colleages do when they suddenly aren't as popular as they used to be, I've decided to endure this suffering with patience, not getting excited about the hyperbole that is circulated by some as "reasonable thinking", when in fact they have acted unreasonably in their criticism of me and the other leaders in the church. I'll work it through, stick to my ministry, take the hits (a big target is hard to miss!) and learn. I still believe I'm exactly the right pastor for this church during this time, even though there is a part of me that says "go somewhere else where people will appreciate you." I tell myself, "If I go, will I appreciate myself? The answer is no." I will stay and work this through, and much good will come of it for the church and for me.
Alan
Lord, bring an administrative assistant to Alan's church. Send your Holy Spirit to minister to Him, to awaken those in the pews to the needs of the church. In Jesus' name.
Alan,
"proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching."
Hang in there buddy... and Preach the Word!
Ch. 4, V. 3 is almost frightening if one desires to follow the Lord and not the whim of the public, or the congregation. If we listen carefully to the words being said in our hearts when we hear the words "having itching ears," we can hear the proclamation of the prophet in our time now and here. The struggle in the "old line" denominations over the issues of homosexuality; the silence of the church about matters of community morals and ethics, let alone national issues; the continous barrage of immoral acts seen and described in many media, and now even from our President, and those who would disclaim them as nothing more than a "personal affair" and cry that sex is not the problem; or even combatting the old bigotry still around from civil rights days all illustrate the need in our day for pastors who will take stands concerning what is RIGHT and what is WRONG and teach in those areas in which the decisions are hardest to reach between the two.
Our public has turned away from sound truth, and is full of myths about religion, and do not have enough people teaching them, as Lois and Eunice did, about what it means to have faith.
God Bless;
Rev. Rick
Rev. Rick,
I'd like to hear more.
Rick in Va
Rev Rick, I remember Haddon Robinson once saying that the problem with the church today is that there is far to much mythology and not enough theology.
LiteKeeper on the Jersey Shore
I would like to thank you for your insights! I am a first time browser and getting to my sermon only today! I hate leaving it to the last minute. I agree that the Jeremiah and II Timothy readings go very well together! I keep returning to "false prophet." Paul's warning seems to call me to explore this more deeply. We are called to share our stories and experiences of God's love in our lives. I believe that Paul's warning about false teachers are as valid today as yester-year. False prophets can be the obvious such as Psychics or the stock market. However, holding models such as sports and celebrity figures are dangerous because they are more sudtle as false prophets. Listening to Oprah talk about her new movie this week, one would think that she discovered a new gospel as she "gave birth to her baby Beloved." In all fairness, I did not see the movie, nor am I passing judgement on Orpah. However, it is a sign of our society needing the love of God in their lives. We need to lift up our stories of faith and put our life where our mouth is! As you see, I need to explore this more closely but I wanted to drop you a line to say thanks for your help and insight. Wen.