09/11/2023
Great Quote that Just Missed
‘The Cut’ to be Included In the Sermon
Jen Wilkins, in her excellent exposition of the ‘Ten Words’ writes:
“If I am walking into my home and see a ladybug on my doorstep, I smile and take care to relocate it to the nearest plant. But if I see a cockroach, I have a different response. Why? Because I feel affection for one and contempt for the other. Any decent entomologist would tell me that these two creatures are essentially equals, but I have devoted myself to elevating one to “delightful” and the other to “despicable”. A faulty entomology has its consequences, but how much more so a faulty anthropology? Contempt directed at an image bearer breeds all manner of violence.”
As the father of an entomologist, I love the line that says: “A faulty entomology…(vs.) a faulty anthropology. I would add a faulty theology—a misunderstanding of who God is and what God desires for his earthly children. The difference between a cockroach and a ladybug is a difference in point of view and nothing more. The difference from a Maga Republican and a Progressive Democrat is a difference of two competing visions of what is best for our nation and the world. Nothing more. No insidious conspiracies, no passion to take away anyone’s rights, just two citizens of the same nation who want that nation to live up to its highest ideals.
Anger that leads to outrage and outrage that is harnessed by “anger merchants” and turned into contempt—that is a deadly influence to the heart of a Christian. It poses a clear and present danger to neighbors living with neighbors as well as our shared love of constitutional democracy. As we have been seeing among United Methodists, it also has the power to break down the body of Christ into little homogeneous islands of like-thinking denominations/congregations.
Archived Posts
Let’s Not Overlook Joseph of Nazareth
I asked my research assistant—a certain ChatGPT—what the most interesting facet of Joseph’s life might be. She shared a couple of things that didn’t make it into Sunday’s sermon but you might still find inspirational...
Key Takeaway from Sunday
If I had to identify a specific take away from
Sunday’s sermon it would probably be this:
The Rest of the Story
I mentioned Russell Conwell in Sunday’s message. He was a famous preacher, educator, and lecturer. His sermon/lecture “Acres of Diamonds” was turned into a book and sold rather well. I used Conwell’s illustrations to talk about sharing the good news of Jesus with those closest to us first—family, friends, coworkers, and church family. The wider world is our ultimate aim, but until you invest in the people God has already put in your life, you are unlikely to have much success.
No One Said It Would be Easy
To love Jesus first is to learn to love all the other people in our lives with greater intensity and less selfishness
What’s Saved Is Often Lost
Here’s the benediction we didn’t have time for yesterday (Sunday, November 3). It’s one of my favorite quotations (portions of a newspaper column). I hope you find it as inspiring as I have
Leftovers Continued…
It’s not just the fact that God is un-impressed by our leftovers, it actually goes deeper than that. In a sense, Jesus is passionately and purposely opposed to anything leftover. To be a follower of Jesus Christ is to work diligently to make sure that in the end nothing at all is left over.
Less Stuff and Fewer Wants
Here’s a point I left off Sunday’s sermon due to time and length. In dealing with an Entitled mindset it is very helpful if you can Reduce Materialism and Consumerism.