Archive for September, 2006

Pastor MIA – Help me!

Blake Heffner September 24th, 2006

“Pastor MIA – Help me!” September 24, 2006

Texts: Ephesians 6:18-20 & Revelation 2-3 (sel.)

INTRO: In two weeks you pastor is going to be MIA – that is, missing in action. I will be “missing” on October 8, because Sharon and I have been invited to visit two small congregations in Western PA where they are holding their annual revival. I will be “in action” – because they have invited me to be their guest preacher for four straight evening services – Sunday through Wednesday.

Now before you start to chuckle politely under your breath, understand that I protested the very thought of this when it was first proposed last spring by Rev. Dale Rummel. You see these are the Church of the Brethren congregations that he served for some years before retirement. Dale’s the one who submitted my name to the committee. I said to Dale, “I am not familiar with the tradition. Why, I’ve never even been to a revival.” He replied, “I’ve heard your sermons; you’ll do fine.”

Then, in June, when the chairperson of the Revival Committee, Harry Mahlon called to say that the committee voted and wants to invite me to be their guest in October. I protested again, “Honestly, I don’t feel I have the gift for evangelism. We don’t even have altar calls here at St. John’s.” I could have protested more vehemently, but didn’t, that I am the one who needs revival – at least as much as they do out there. Harry muttered something about how Dale said I would do fine, and then he got my attention: “Things have changed over the years. It used to be folks would bring their unchurched neighbors and there was an evangelistic emphasis. Nowadays, just our own folks come, and it’s more about renewal than revival.”

“Ah, renewal,” I said, “I understand the need for renewal. I need it, and it seems our church here in Williams Township needs it too. So, I guess I’ll accept your invitation, and pray that I may learn something I can bring home.”

That’s why we’re going to be missing for a week – missing and in action. That’s nice, you may be thinking – but why bring it up in this message? Three reasons.

1. I need your help!

I am absolutely asking every Christian friend and prayer warrior I know to pray for me in the weeks leading up to this revival, and especially during this event. There is good historical precedent for this. The Apostle Paul asked his friends in Ephesus to pray for him and his ministry. After he challenges them to put on the armor of God – read about it in vv. 10-17 – he goes on to say:

“Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel… Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.”

What an encouraging thought: the great preacher and teacher Paul needed folks to back him up in prayer. If he did, I do even more so. So, first of all then I am asking you – each one of you, young or old – to pray for me, that I may (like Paul) make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. I have never seen myself as a bold preacher – and be honest, neither do you! But, Paul says that’s how he must speak, not how he wants to speak. So, I am asking you to pray that the Holy Spirit fill me with a holy boldness that is not of my nature. Then we will all know it is of God. In addition, I am asking you to join me in praying for the saints in those two little churches. One gets about 25 folks out to worship, the other maybe 50 or 60. Their pastor told me over the phone that he feels they are in a real spiritual swoon. It’s not that folks haven’t heard the gospel or don’t know Jesus; it’s more that they’ve become complacent with Christ. They don’t seem fully alive. Paul bids his friends to pray for all the saints; so please pray for these folks.

2. What would “revival” or “renewal” look like here?

Since this revival is about all I can think about lately, I asked the guys at a recent mens’ breakfast to rate the spiritual temperature at the Blue Church and our church. Surprisingly, they were unanimous. The guys from the Blue Church said that on a scale of 1-10, they were no more than a 4 or 5. That’s lukewarm. Our guys said the same. We are not cold – God forbid. But we are certainly not hot either. If Jesus were to sit down and write a letter to St. John’s Church on Morgan Hill, what do you think he might say?

A. Would he write as he did to the church in Laodicea? “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Imagine living in Laodicea and reading that for the first time. How would you feel? What would you do? Friends, we better think and pray hard about this – because there are clear signs of lukewarmness among us:

Listen to how we sing hymns. Are we singing from our hearts, with full voices – or are we kind of half-heartedly vocalizing and letting the choir and the organ carry the tune?

Look around at coffee hour. There was a time you would never see a newer person standing alone in the Social Hall – because if no one else, Sue or Eli would be right there introducing themselves and introducing them to others. That’s why their pictures are on the wall. But, why have we slacked off? Why is it so hard for Phyllis to even get folks to put the coffee on anymore? Have we lost our passion for real fellowship and fallen into just talking with our favorite friends?

There is not a soul among us who would say that the Bible is bunk. Most of us would profess it to be God’s living Word. Then why is it there are so few folks coming to our Bible studies? Can is be there are only a handful of men and just a few more women that have a hunger for God’s Word? If they are not offered at convenient times, then why aren’t more adults attending an adult Sunday School class? If you ask me, there is the hint of lukewarmness in the air.

I am encouraged by the fact that we have a Mission Team now. But, wow, have we fallen off in our benevolence giving. We are a very generous group when a special guest comes and we take up a love offering. Why is it so hard to put a significant portion of our offerings into benevolences – by which we support mission work locally and globally. Now, next Sunday, don’t scare Jane by putting all your offering into benevolence. That’s not the answer. I believe God want us to be people with a passion for mission all the time.

B. OK, that’s enough about lukewarmness. Would Jesus possibly connect us with the church in Ephesus? That church was faithful in its toil and patient endurance for the Lord. They were working well – but it was kind of going through the motions. “I have this against you Ephesians, you have forsaken your first love… Repent and do the things you did at first.” Are there not ways in which we have fallen away from our first love? Have we taken God and God’s grace for granted? Have we allowed some weeds to grow in our lives that choke out the good fruit? Are there some things we need to repent of ? Is there a disconnection between Sunday morning and the rest of the week?

C. Finally, on a more positive note, might Jesus also pair us up with the church in Philadelphia? That was the little and faithful church of the group: “I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Friends, I personally believe that the Lord is eager to send this message to us. We have made a difficult choice. We have made it for good reasons 0 in order to keep God’s Word and not deny his name. I am getting a little tired of hearing the skeptical comments – like how are we ever going to do what we used to do? How are we going to survive and, better, thrive? We may seem weak in the eyes of some – we may not do everything we used to do in the same old ways – but I firmly believe that the Lord is setting before us an open door and inviting us to step through it. It is a door leading to more joy in the Lord, richer worship, more effective mission and, yes, even “revival.” I, for one, am eager to see what the Lord wants to do with us and through us in the next five years. If Christ opens the door, it can only lead to good things, no better things! Let’s determine to go through that door with gusto!

So, I am really asking you for help in three ways. Pray for me, that the Lord will prepare me to preach a living Word in three weeks. Pray for those two churches in Western Pa – called Bethel and Greenville. And please be praying for our church family here on the hill. Ask the Lord what he wants to do with us and through us. Ask him to give us the fresh wind and fresh fire of the Holy Spirit. Thank you…

Let us pray…

Not I, But Christ…

Blake Heffner September 17th, 2006

“Not I, But Christ…” September 17, 2006

A Confirmation Meditation

Texts: Galatians 2:15-21 & Revelation 3:14-22

INTRO: I’ve had a marvelous experience this week – and a rather rare one: two members of our family have been preparing for confirmation. On Tuesday, Rhonda and Lauren Spirko reached the point of saying: “We’re ready!” Ready to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and to serve Him as Lord. Ready to stand up before God and this family to confess this faith and the desire to live for Jesus. In a few minutes you will all have the joy of participating in this ancient rite of the Church.

Among other things, our candidates studied a short chapter entitled, “How to Become a Christian” by John Stott. I believe Stott’s message – the perennial good news - is worth our consideration this morning. So here we go…

1. What Christianity is Not

Stott wants us to be very clear about what Christian faith is. So, he begins by illustrating what it is not. First, Christianity is not primarily a creed. Although there are many classic expressions of faith, which are instructive and useful, Christianity is not mainly “head stuff.” It’s not a matter of filling our minds with correct theological principles or doctrines. It’s entirely possible to know all about theology and not be a Christian. For example, Stott writes, even the Devil knows some theology. James wrote in his letter: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.” OK, Christianity is not just a matter of thinking the right things about God.

Secondly, Christianity is not primarily a code of conduct, either. It’s not God’s “to do” list. A lot of folks think, if we can keep the Ten Command-ments and the Golden Rule, we’ll be fine. If we can just find a way to love the folks who live under our roof and our neighbors, be kind to our coworkers, and live as decent citizens, we will please God. It’s not that our behavior doesn’t matter. But, we can do all the right things and still not be a Christian. This is what Paul is arguing in his Letter to the Galatians: keeping the rules of Jewish law will not put us right with God. If that would have been possible, then Jesus did not need to die on the Cross for us! Yes, his death would just be a waste of a good life! We could never work our way into heaven – that‘s why Jesus came to us, to offer us a gift we could never earn or purchase. That’s why it’s called grace.

Thirdly, many people identify Christianity with rituals and ceremonies. Stott insists: Christianity is not a system of religious observances. We do, of course, routinely celebrate Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. We hold weekly worship services and educational opportunities. These are all precious and profitable. But it is possible to engage in these outward practices and still miss the core of Christianity. We could have perfect attendance for fifty years and still stand outside the kingdom of God.

Christianity is neither a creed, nor a code of conduct, nor a ceremonial system. Again, it is possible to believe all the right things, do the right things, and be at all the right events – and still miss the heart of Christianity. Are you with me? Do you agree?

2. The Example of John Wesley

Stott offers a vivid example of all this in the life of John Wesley, the father of Methodism. John, his brother Charles, and a few friends were students at Oxford. In 1729 they founded a religious society, which they later called the “Holy Club.” These students were really intense about their faith. They believed all the classic creeds. They lived impeccable lives – meeting together several times a week for encouragement and Bible study. They visited prisoners in Oxford Castle; they founded a school in a slum area - paying the teacher and clothing the children out of their own pockets. And, they were exceedingly religious. They attended Holy Communion weekly, fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays, as monks do. They prayed together throughout everyday and read the Bible voraciously. Yet later, John looked back and reckoned that he was not even a Christian during that period of his life. He wrote to his mother that his faith may have been that of a ‘servant,’ but it was certainly not that of a ‘son.’ Do you understand the difference?

What was missing in Wesley’s life? In 1735 he sailed for Georgia to serve as a chaplain to the colonists and a missionary to the Indians. He returned home two years later feeling demoralized and defeated. However, it was on that trip home that he met some Moravians, who impressed him with their piety. A short time later, on the 24th of May, 1738, Wesley visited a Moravian meeting on Aldersgate Street, East London. He wrote what has become a famous entry in his Journal: “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

For years he had been trusting in himself – his belief, his charitable works, and his religious zeal – but now John came to put his trust completely in Jesus Christ as his Savior. That is the key to becoming a child of God – the core of Christian faith and life. In Paul’s own words, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

3. How to Become a Christian

OK the, how do we become a Christian? Stott explains commitment to Christ simply in terms of A – B – C - D.

A. Something to Admit

Our first step is to admit that we are sinners who need a Savior. By sin, the Bible means self-centeredness. That is what separates us from God and from each other. The Bible declares we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s plan for our lives. Because the wages of sin is death, that is what we deserve.

B. Something to Believe

But, “God so loved the world – and each of us, personally – that he sent his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). That is the gospel in a nutshell! “B” stands for believing this good news: that Jesus died so we might live. His precious blood was shed that the stain of our sins might be washed away.

C. Something to Consider

We need to consider that Jesus Christ wants to be our Lord (or Master) as well as our Savior. He didn’t come merely to free us from our past; he cam to offer us a new future. As Lord, Jesus calls us to leave our old ways and learn his ways. With Peter and James and John of old, we are invited to become his disciples and follow wherever he leads us.

D. Something to Do

“D” stands for something to do. This is a critical piece of the puzzle. The first three steps take place in our hearts and minds, the fourth involves cultivating this new relationship for the rest of our lives. John Stott says it was Revelation 3:20 that made all this clear to him: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock (Jesus says); if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” This is not just a moment or an event, it is an ongoing intimate relationship.

Friends, I can personally attest to this truth. I was brought up in the church – spent nearly every Sunday in worship and Sunday School. I was confirmed at 14. But ten years later, on September 20, 1975, I realized that I had missed the boat. I had been a ‘servant,’ but not a ‘son’ of God. That day I opened the door and invited Jesus Christ into my heart and the journey has been unbelievably rewarding!

Today, we have the joy of celebrating that two of our sisters have also opened this door. They are ready to stand and publicly profess their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and desire to serve him as Lord…

Prayer of Commitment:

This famous picture by Warner Salman depicts Jesus standing at a door and knocking. It represents the door to the human heart – your heart, my heart. There is no latch visible on this door – suggesting that it must be opened from the inside. I invite all of you to do this today – whether for the first time or the hundredth time. Let us pray the ABCD prayer:

Lord, Jesus Christ, I admit that I have sinned against God and others, and I have gone my own way. I repent of my self-centeredness.

I thank you for your great love in dying for me, for bearing in my place the penalty of my sins.

Now I open the door of my heart to you. Come in, Lord Jesus. Come in as my Savior, to cleanse and renew me. Come in as my Lord, to take control of me.

And by your grace, I will serve you faithfully, in fellowship with your other disciples, all my life. Amen.

Quotations and the above prayer are from Christian Basics, by John Stott (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1991), pp. 14-25.

Galatians 2

15″We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ 16know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

17″If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”[d]

Revelation 3

14″To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

To Be Continued…

Blake Heffner September 10th, 2006

“To Be Continued…” September 10, 2006

Rally Day – A Communion Meditation

Text: Matthew 28:18-20

INTRO : How many times have you watched a television show and, after a very dramatic scene, the screen goes dark and the three words appear: to be continued? Most often, you feel a let down. You want the story to be finished, you don’t want to wait until next week – or, next season. This morning, we’re going to play with that idea a bit and see how so much of what we are doing in worship, and this morning in particular, is to be continued!

Before we get to the storyline, I want to offer you a mini-lesson in Greek. Thank goodness we don’t need to know Greek to read the Bible. But, a little knowledge can open up some of its meaning. The present tense in Greek can be translated in two ways: as a point in time or as continuing action. For example, the same verb can mean “I sit down,” or “I am sitting down.”

So what, you ask? Well, consider that famous passage in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus is teaching about prayer. Jesus says: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” This text could also be translated: “Keep on asking, and you will receive, keep on seeking and you will find, keep on knocking and the door will be opened.” I believe that this is the more accurate way to read it – as an on-going process. Are you with me? Let’s try to put the Great Commission, which Linda read, in that form.

It could be rendered: “Keep on going to all people everywhere, and keep on making them my disciples. Keep on baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And, keep on teaching them to obey everything thing I have commanded you.” My contention, friends, is not only that we can translate the commission this way, we should under-stand it as an on-going mandate. Well, let’s put this into practical terms:

1. Baptism is to be continued…

Paul teaches in Romans that baptism is not a singular event, it’s a lifelong process through which we are constantly dying and rising with Christ. This means that for little Charlotte, her life in Christ has begun today, but it is to be continued…(as the liturgy puts it) as she lives and grows in Christ. She will become a mature child of God only if we show her God’s love and teach her God’s Word. There is an essential connection between baptism and instruction is right there in the Great Commission.

2. Christian Education is to be continued…

This morning is Rally Day, and we’re celebrating that Christian Education is to be continued here at St. John’s. How consoling it is for teachers to realize that we don’t have to get in all across in one week – we have from September through May! Thank God, we don’t have to learn all there is in God’s Word by age 15 either, we have a lifetime. Sunday School is not just for kids. We have two great classes for adults. If you don’t find one to your liking, let us know and we’ll look for one - because spiritual growth is to be continued.

3. Singing God’s Praise is to be continued…

I hope you share my enthusiasm that the Senior Choir is back in business today, and the younger choirs will be very soon! Worship is just not the same without choral music – & today we are glad it is being continued…

4. The Lord’s Supper is to be continued…

Of all that we do repeatedly in worship, perhaps the clearest example is the Lord’s Supper. When Jesus initiated this feast, he said, “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, do it in remembrance of me.” He was indicating this sacred meal needs to be continued… We need to keep on taking this bread and eating it, keep on taking this cup and drinking from it. This is the reason many churches celebrate the sacrament every week. We don’t; so we need to take advantage of every opportunity to commune.

.

5. Christ’s presence is to be continued…

The beautiful thing about the great commission is that is comes with a great promise: I will be with you always. In other words, through the Holy Spirit Jesus’ presence is to be continued! Christian life is not just a moment, or a day, but a life in and with Him – a continuous journey of faith and love.

6. Suspense…

Finally, you know why television programmers enjoy writing “to be continued?” It creates suspense. You leave the show wanting more, wondering how it will end. The Christian life should be that way, too. We should leave here with the expectation that God has more for us… more to tell us, more to give us, more work for us to do. My prayer today (and I hope yours) is that the Holy Spirit will keep on whetting our appetites to experience God’s presence in worship, keep on creating a hunger for God’s Word and understanding, keep on kindling in us a desire for joyful fellowship and adventures in service. This feast is to be continued! Hallelujah!!!

What’s in Your Toolbox?

Blake Heffner September 3rd, 2006

“What’s in Your Toolbox?” September 3, 2006

Texts: Psalm 15 & Romans 12:6-18

INTRO: “What’s in your wallet?” That’s what Capitol One wants you to ask every time you leave the house – are you prepared to meet your financial needs? This morning, in the midst of Labor Day weekend and the first weeks of the new school year, let’s ask a similar question: In a spiritual sense: What’s in your backpack – as you head to school? What’s in your purse or your attaché case? What’s your toolbox as you head to work? What are the essential things that we need to carry with us to be good Christians? What are the most important virtues we need practice each day?

This whole issue was sparked afresh for me when I was looking at an ancient spiritual guidebook, written for monks nearly 1500 years ago. It is known as St. Benedict’s Rule for Monks. At the beginning, Benedict asks: What are the instruments for good works? He goes on to answer that question by listing some 72 virtues and attitudes for good living. He sums it all up by saying: “These are the tools of the spiritual craft. If we employ them unceasingly day and night [then we’ll be OK on the Day of Judgment].”

1. Psalm 15

Perhaps a thousand years before St. Benedict, the psalmist sat down to make his own list. What does it take to be able to enter the Temple, to live on Mt. Zion? He came up with a comparatively short list of six things:

· Walk blamelessly and do what is righteous

· Speak the truth from your heart and do not slander others

· Honor those who fear the Lord; despise the wicked

· Keep your word, even if it hurts

· Don’t lend money at interest, and

· Do not take a bribe against the innocent

Basically: Walk right, talk right and deal rightly with your money! If these ways are in your spiritual toolbox, he affirms, you shall never be moved.

2. Paul

The Apostle Paul created several lists of do’s and don’ts. One of his classic ones is found in our lesson from Romans, chapter 12. We can summarize them in about a dozen bullets:

· Whatever gifts God has given you, appreciate them and use them

· Let your love be genuine – that means

· Honoring others above yourself & not being proud or conceited

· Practicing hospitality

· Rejoicing with those who rejoice & mourning with those who mourn,

· Living in harmony with others, and

· Blessing those who persecute you - that is,

· In addition, we are to keep our spiritual fervor high, by

· Being joyful in hope

· Being patient in affliction

· Being faithful in prayer, and

· As far as possible, living at peace with everyone.

That’s roughly a baker’s dozen “tools” for living. It is a tall order and worthy goal. If we exhibit these virtues, surely we will be as light for the world and salt for the earth!

C. St. Benedict’s List

So, some five hundred years after Paul, St. Benedict sat down to write out a rule for his monks. He wanted to give them a blueprint for living that would really serve as the whole toolbox – everything a sincere person would need to live a holy Christian life. Benedict came up with the list that is printed on your insert: some seventy-two points!

You may be surprised that virtually every one of these virtues apply to living the Christian life today. Benedict begins with the two greatest commandments of Jesus – to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Next, he lists five of the Ten Commandments. The Golden Rule is no. 9: “Not to do to another what you would not have done to yourself.” That’s simply the negative version of “Do unto others what you would have them do to you.”

Then Benedict addresses the kinds of things that we identify with monastic life: self-denial, asceticism and fasting. It is important to note that these are things Jesus urged on all his disciples. Self-denial is not in vogue in the church today – at least the main line Protestant churches. But, our Pennsylvania German forebears embraced such values: frugality and self-denial were instilled in every generation until recently.

Monastic life wasn’t a complete escape from the world. Benedict urged his monks to relieve the poor, clothe the naked, visit the sick and even bury the dead. Monks were to help anyone in trouble and even console the sorrowing.

You might think that living in an atmosphere of prayer would make everyone agreeable. Benedict knew better. He commanded: don’t give way to anger, don’t nurse a grudge, entertain deceit in your heart, or give a false peace.

On the positive side, Benedict followed Paul carefully: underlining the need to speak the truth, bear wrongs patiently, love one’s enemies, and bear persecution for justice’ sake.

Look at No. 36: Not a great eater! You’d think in a monastery there wouldn’t be enough food for overeating. Today, do we think carefully enough about the quantity and quality of food we eat?

I love the next few, too: Not drowsy. Not lazy. Not a grumbler. Not a detractor. Teachers in school really would like to put those on a blackboard! What a different world it would be if we all decided not to be grumblers or detractors!

Right after that, Benedict cultivates an eternal perspective: Put hope in your God. Attribute to God – not to yourself - whatever good you see in yourself. On the other hand take responsibility for the evil that you have done. Have a healthy fear of God’s judgment, be in dread of hell, and desire eternal life with passion. I don’t know many folks who dread hell these days! If we did, we wouldn’t be so reluctant to share Jesus with others. And the majority of people don’t take responsibility for their sins anymore. Right? We’re great at making excuses.

With the biblical authors, Benedict understood how critical our words are: Guard your tongue against evil and depraved speech. Don’t love talking. Don’t say useless things. Don’t try to get everyone laughing. We might do better to get folks laughing these days – life is way too sobering.

Of course, Benedict urges his monks – and us – to be diligent in prayer. He concludes with words that come right out of the New Testament: Hate no one. Don’t be jealous or envious. Don’t love contention. Beware of haughtiness – or pride. Pray for your enemies and make peace with your adversary before the sun sets.

His final point is really a key: Never despair of God’s mercy. That is so vital! After such a long – and challenging – “to do” list, virtually every one of us feels like a failure. We fall short of keeping this list every day. How wonderfully Benedict reminds us that the bottom line is God’s grace and mercy.

When we fail, we have a High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has made the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. “Therefore,” the Letter to the Hebrews declares, “We have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, we can approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Isn’t Benedict’s concluding remark encouraging? “These are the tools of the spiritual craft. If we employ them unceasingly day and night, and return them on the Day of Judgment, our compensation from the Lord will be that wage he has promised: ‘Eye has not seen , nor ear heard, what God has prepared for those who love Him.’”

Let’s return for a moment to God’s mercy and notice a subtle but significant distinction between these three texts. The psalmist and Benedict tell us to do this and that, then God will bless us. Paul, on the other hand, invites us to offer ourselves to Jesus Christ first, and receive his precious grace, then go out and serve the Lord. Chapter twelve begins: “I appeal to you, my brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Martin Luther declared: “Good works will not make a person good, but a good person will do good works.” Do you see the difference? We can’t work our way into heaven – none of us are good enough for that. But if we surrender ourselves to Christ Jesus, as living sacrifices, then the Spirit of the Lord at work in us, will enable us to do good works – not in order for us to be saved, but because we have already been saved by the grace to God!

So, what’s in your wallet, your purse, your backpack, your toolbox?

Let us pray…

Scripture lessons: Psalm 15

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

Romans 12: 6-18

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Love

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.