Time to work

Time to work

Matthew 21:28-32

9/25

† In the Name of Christ

Grace and Peace be yours, from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ! †

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Once upon a time, in a small town far, far away, a very disheveled man, who everyone knew as the town drunk and drug addict, walked into church on a Sunday morning. Though he was barely 40, he looked about 80, so ravaged was he by his loose lifestyle. The town rumor mill had circulated that the man was probably not far from death, as the local clinic had determined his liver and kidneys were shot from his lifestyle. He came forward, and sat in the front pew of church, showing people he did not really understand what church was about.

As the service started, the man fumbled through the hymnal, trying to figure out what to do. No one paid much attention to their own music, or the singing, or even the pastor, as everyone stared at this character. He definitely was something different, as he often yelled praise God, as a song, or a scripture reading, or the pastor mentioned “grace” in his sermon. The longer this occurred, the more the congregation grew uneasy.

The pastor seemed unaffected by this, matter of fact, he began to smile, and nod at the derelict. You see, earlier in the week, the man had been in the pastor’s office, and fearing the death the clinic doctor said was soon to come, asked the pastor if there was anything that could be done, for him to avoid hell. The pastor then explained the grace that is given us, through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The man, in incredible joy, received Christ’s grace and repented of his sin. The congregation however, was unaware of this, and was shocked by the odd relationship. Some even wondered about going to the elders, and asking if there was anyway to prevent the man from returning, for he was obviously a disruption to their worship service!

Four times this week, I have heard or read a story like this from a fellow pastor. One was much braver than the others were, as he confronted one of the church members, telling them, that while the derelict would be soon in heaven, he was not so sure about the church member. The church member, quite taken aback, demanding to know how that could be just. The pastor replied, because that man knows and rejoices in grace, whereas you do not even acknowledge a need for its existence!

The parable of the two brothers is obviously then, quite alive and well. Still to this day, repentant men who disobeyed and talked back to the Father, are found in the vineyard, and those who claim to be upright sons, are found to be outside of vineyard, and cut off from the family.

Today, I would hope would all realize the blessing of working in the vineyard, and are found in it, having taken the path that leads us there.

Work in the Vineyard

Verse 2 and 3 of Phillipians 2

Regret/Repentance

Our own vineyard unworked?

Westminster Cathedral

I think our second reading this morning, the one from Paul’s letter to the church in Phillipi, describes the work of God’s vineyard very well;

be like-minded, have the same love, be one in spirit and purpose. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴ Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:2-4 (NIV)

In reading a passage like this, I must confess my own inability. Perhaps in saying no, the first brother is simply realizing and confessing his inadequacy? These things God inspired Paul to urge us to do, we struggle achieving. Not be ambitious? Be humble and consider others above us? Looking to others best interest, rather than our own? Difficult at best. Have we worked in our own vineyards? Or are they overgrown, even as we claim we work there every day?

Even think more specifically. Consider this illustration.

An elderly lady was touring the incredible complex of Westminster Cathedral in England. As the tour guide showed them the church, he talked of the incredible windows, the ornate stone and woodwork, the incredible architecture, all dedicated to the glory of God. The simple lady from Tennessee, interrupted the presentation with a firm but strong question. She said, “I have to know, has anyone been saved here recently?”

Churches and mission stations are places where people are drawn, to find the hope they live with out. If we dedicate them to the glory of God, then it is my contention that we use them to do the work He has given us. Think back to my opening story, the kind of praise that comes from those who knew not God’s love and grace, being re-created in Christ! Our building, our funds, our talents, can be used in such a way to see a incredible miracle! The miracle described in Eph 2:10, where it says those that believe are the proof of God’s skill as a master craftsman. He creates us to do good work in His vineyard, work prepared for us from the beginning.

Work that we cannot do without His presence, without being what Jesus identified as the message of John the Baptist, that the Pharisees ignored.

Way of Righteousness

Luther’s Quote about gallows/church cemeteries

The third brother? Said Yes, and did the will, of love, not fear

Prodigal Hugging church!

³² For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

Luther in commenting on this gospel passage, uttered something quite extraordinary. “Therefore it is true that many more people go to heaven from the gallows than from the church cemetery.^[1]” Kinda of shocking, isn’t it? Yet perhaps, sadly, all to true, even today. Luther had commented that it required being broken, realizing the death sentence upon us. Like the first brother, who realize how he had disobeyed his father’s desire. He regretted that action, he was repentant.

John’s way of righteousness was actually that simple. He preached a simple message, Repent – for the Kingdom of God is at hand. The Pharisees actually saw the Kingdom of God, as they interacted with Jesus, yet still did not repent! However, those, knowing they needed to be saved, trusted the message. They knew John’s message was from God, it had hit them where they lived. The grace of God walked right through the crowds of these Pharisees, and the recognized Him not, nor their need for Him. I pray we never become that blind!

The grace of God, which did think of others more highly than himself, so much more so, that He died for us. Who humbled himself, who put our needs first. Our incredible Lord Jesus. One pastor, commenting on this passage, called him the Third Son, the one who said yes, and then did work in the harvest field. The One whose work in that field, harvests us.

What an amazing God, who Acts says, grants us repentance. He calls the prodigals home, of which we are.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, remember always, that we are like the prodigal who returns and cannot but praise God when reminded of the grace given to him in Christ. Who then treasure that grace, that love, knowing the difference it has made in our lives. A difference worth shouting AMEN, a difference worth investing our lives, into ensuring others that they may two share in it.

A church, that hugs prodigals, rather than stares at them, that looks out for their interest, because He looked out for ours. A church that sees any visitor, as a person who Christ was willing to die for, that they might know life. Having been in that person’s place, we share with them the glorious gospel, and A Church, that realizing it has told God no, then goes out, and works in the fields of harvest, till all are gathered in.

A church, made up of people, who once were not welcome into the presence of God, but thanks to Jesus Christ, are not only welcome, but wanted there.

It is there, and knowing that we are destined for that place, that the peace of God that passes all understating comes in, which shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

AMEN.

---

^[1]Luther, M. Luther's Works, Vol. 16 : Lectures on Isaiah: Chapters 1-39. Ed. J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann. Luther's Works. Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1999, c1969.

Partners in the Gospel and Grace

Philippians 1:1-11 (ESV)
9/18/2005

† In the Name of Jesus †

May you realize the grace and peace of God our Father, and our Master Jesus Christ, is yours!

We are going to start out the sermon this morning, with a “cultural test”. I am going to say a name, and you are going to have to name the persons “partner”. They are from different generations, so do not worry if you do not know them all. The first is a comedy team, Burns and ________. Great! The second is one my parents, as ballroom dancers would know well – Astaire and ________. Ok – the next one is television show about police – Starsky and ________. Another comedy team – Cheech and __________. Ok – the ones that know that one – we have to talk later! How about another crime fighting team, Batman and _________. Or another cartoon, Rocky and ________. Partners are such, that it is hard to ever think of them being separated. We think of them, not as individuals, but as a unit.
It gets tougher now, as these partners are from 1900 years ago. Paul and __________. The answer is in today’s reading. The final partnership, the congregation of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church and ____________.

We are fact that we are partners in two things, just as Paul and the church in Phillipi were. The first, is receiving grace, and the second, we are partners in the Gospel of Christ, just as the Phillipian Church and the Apostle Paul were partners in those very same things.

Koinonia – Fellowship - Communion

You might wonder about this word “partner”. It appears, at least in the Greek, twice in the passage, once as “partnership”, and the other time as the verb “sharing”. It is the word we also sometimes translate as “fellowship”, “communion”, or even “community”. It defines a close community, that shares the same life, the same goals, the same desires, that overcomes obstacles and problems together, that cares about each other as Paul says in 2 Corinthians,

2 Make room in your hearts for us….3, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 2 Corinthians 7:2-3 (ESV)

It is the kind of relationship that Paul describes in today’s reading, “how I long for you with the affection of Christ Jesus”. That describes a fellowship, a group of people in communion together, the church; it describes us, as people, and their pastor. For me at least, I cannot see myself pastoring another church, and it would be my hope, that your love for each other, would result in your not being able to see yourselves anywhere else.

So let’s look at what Paul says we are partners in, what we share together, as the people of God,

We partner in Receiving Grace
Began a good work
Prior to the work?
The work
Love overflowing,
Knowledge and discernment -
Pure and Blameless

It starts with something incredible, yet simple, as it is described towards the end of verse 7,

“all of you share in God's grace with me.”

We share in the grace of God; God has given grace to us, His community of faith. The gift by which we all are saved, and made into one body. The restoration of the relationship between God, and us, so well described in the Old Testament reading today,

7 Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 (NLT)

That pardon, that receiving of mercy, is the beginning of the work of God, spoken about in the our third reading today, He who began a good work, it states. We realize that we could not have turned from our wicked deeds, we could not turn to God, except by His power. That grace we share in, for we are the church, literally, those called out, those separated out by God, for a purpose.

We have gone form being the outcast, the evil, the ones condemned, to being recipients, together of the very grace of God. His work, as it is completed in us, by His spirit, results in the result of Paul’s prayer. Listen to it, as I describe it, personally, for us,

Our love for each other will overflow more and more, and we will keep on growing in our knowledge and understanding. 10 We will be able to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.

What a prayer Paul wishes for his people there in Phillipi! A desire I would have for us. That we would not be satisfied with the knowledge of God that is gained in sermons on Sunday morning, but that we would take advantage of Bible Studies, that we would spend time in God’s word on our own, not just for knowledge sake, but to gain wisdom, and even more importantly, to understand. To understand the grace of God extends to every part of our life. To understand God’s priorities, and to live in them, rather than struggle with the priorities of the world. Ever have to decide between the lesser of two evils? Or the better of two blessings? In God’s wisdom, knowing we can trust Him, we have a whole different scale on which to measure – that is – what benefits His kingdom, and our community, eternally.

Living pure and blameless lives foes not occur because all of sudden, we stop sinning, and become perfect in our actions, thoughts and behaviors. We may become more like Christ, but that perfection still is not attainable by our own efforts. Rather it only occurs as we trust that Christ has re-created us, in granting us faith and repentance, as He baptizes us, and gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. That we can confess our sin, and know they are no longer marks against us.

Listen to verse 11, as it further describes us, as partners in grace,

11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11 (NIV)

Here is the illustration that those that heard the Friday message have been waiting for! When I first read this, I rather pictured the church as a giant lemon-filled doughnut. You know the kind, with powdered sugar, that when you bite into it, the lemon filling comes squirting out through every hole in the doughnut? We, the church are very much like that donut. When being what we are meant to be, the church oozes out the fruit of righteousness, all over the place, just like the doughnut oozes out lemon filling! Our very existence, as people Christ has justified, results in, or produces fruit that show we are Jesus’s, that we know His grace, and mercy and peace. It is a natural result of realizing the grace we have been given, as a family.

We partner in the Gospel
Pastor and People – church and overseers/deacons
Defense and confirmation of the Gospel
Two Psalm Passages – this is the work!

As we receive the mercy of our Lord, it is then that we, as a church, the partnership expands, and we join as partners in the Gospel, with Paul, and the Phillippian Church and the church throughout the ages. A partnership filled with joy incredible, as we see the results of the work. A partnership that does take some work, but work that as a church, we have been called and prepared to do.

That is our work, as the church, as pastor and people. Our own mission statement out there on the church sign, urges us to bring the gospel, the good news, the word of Jesus Christ to this congregation and this community. They need to realize that they can trust in Jesus to fulfill in them, the very promises we know He has fulfilled in us. To know that there is hope in life, and to receive love from the incredible Lord and Savior. Paul indicates that the church there in Phillipi had from the beginning been his partner in sharing the gospel, in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel. But what does it mean to be partners in the defense and confirmation of the gospel? Let’s look!

First is the idea of defending the gospel, or as other translations say, give an apology for the gospel. Not apology in the “I am sorry” sense, but as a legal apology, to give cause and reason. The word is used in 1 Peter 3:15 (NJB), where is says,

15 Simply proclaim the Lord Christ holy in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you have.

Sharing in the work of the gospel is simply that, to give people an answer for the hope that you have in Jesus. Sharing the gospel of Christ is that simple. I know my life, my future, my eternity is set, because of Jesus, and His death, for me, on the cross. I have been given promises that are incredible, that I do not have to bear guilt, that my sins are forgiven, that everything will work out for good for me, because Christ has called and redeemed me. Even if we do not see it yet, that promise of God will sustain us, for we trust in Him!

Confirming the work of the gospel is a bit different. It is a legal term, indicating the situation is proven. I think of the receipt in a purchase, that proves the transaction has taken place. It is that verdict that is made based on evidence that cannot be questioned. It secures the truth, established it.

Next Pentecost, some of our catechists will stand up here, and I will confirm their faith. I will, on behalf of the church, testify that I have seen the result of their hearing the gospel, that they have faith, that they trust and believe in Jesus, in His work for them, as individuals. I do the same thing as people stand up here and become members. We know their faith, the gift of God that leads them to realize they are His. That His death was for them, that the shedding of His blood results in the forgiveness of their sin, as does their uniting with Him in Baptism, along with being given the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Confirming the gospel then, is a testimony to its effectiveness. It is not just a theory, but instead reality. That the gospel, which Romans 1 says is the power of God unto salvation, is true. Not just in theory, not just as a theological treatise, but true, because it results in our salvation. We know it to be true, because it was effective for us.

Because of that, we know we can share with others, and bring them into the partnership.

A partnership based in Christ. A partnership that knows the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, that guards our, the church’s hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus.

People Should be Kept… ALIVE

Genesis 50:15-21

9/11

† In His Name †

To you, my brothers and sisters, may the grace, mercy and peace of God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, be given.

Eleven people are standing around, with a task to do. One of their number, will soon have to leave the group, to be sent away, taken out of the picture. They will have to make the decision among themselves, which one is to go. There is a vote, and one leaves the others behind, his head low in shame. The others, now congratulate themselves on getting rid of their strongest competition, knowing now that they stand a better chance at receiving the prize they all desire.

This could very well be the script from one of those new television “reality” shows, that have become so popular. It is not. It is the story of a very dysfunctional family, the final chapter of which we heard about today in the Old Testament reading. As I thought about the various families in the Bible, I realized something. These families are more like game contestants on these shows, than the people of the family shows of my youth. Families that are more like Survivor than Leave it to Beaver; more like BigBrother6 than Father knows Best, more like Surreal Life, than “The Wonder Years”. Think about Adam and Eve, and their sons, or Noah, and his. Abraham’s family? What about David’s? Even Jesus didn’t receive a ton of support from his family – they thought he was crazy! Instead of the perfect families you might expect, you see the competition, the alliances, the favoritism, the betrayals, the envy and hatred, the division and fighting. Scripture, to my amazement, doesn’t hide it, or make the families look perfect.

It is something I take great comfort in, indeed, I find my faith strengthened, when I consider families like Joseph, and his brothers, I find hope for my own families. For properly speaking, we each belong to several – from those we live with, to the extended families of blood relatives and in-laws, to those groups we work with, to even our church family. If we are honest, each of them is challenging. As we look at this incredible chapter in the life of one family, we will see that which gives us hope in the midst of the darkest days of our families. We will see as well, a lesson about God’s grace, applied to us, whether we are like the brothers, or like Joseph.

Let’s start with the brothers…and look at the situation through their eyes.

The Brothers’ View

Guilt and shame

Their appeal?

Their fear

There is no doubt in my mind, how the brothers originally viewed Joseph. He was, to put it mildly a spoiled brat. Dad’s favorite, who got the best clothes and the easiest chores on the farm. If there was a squabble among the brothers, Joseph was believed, because he was the “good boy”, the goody-two shoes who did nothing wrong, at least in Dad and mom’s eyes. As he got older, it grew worse. He was a dreamer, who took great delight in recounting dreams of his brothers bowing down to him, heck even one of those dreams had his dad bowing down to him as well. Anybody have a little brother or sister like that? Any of us willing to admit we were the little brother or sister like that?

If you had the little brother or sister like that, you might understand the temptation to toss the little pain in the neck in a pit, and leave them there for a few hours. But to sell them into slavery? Probably a bit extreme, you might think. These brothers were even willing to let their dad believe that Joseph had been killed by a wild beast. In those days, when punishments fit the crime, they went way overboard.

As we start our reading today, because of a famine, they have moved to Eqypt, only to find Joseph’s prophetic dreams have come true. The one they sold into slavery, is now the second most powerful man in the world. They figure that his joy in seeing his youngest brother, not involved in the evil, and his dad, would sustain them for a while. But now, dad is dead, and they are in great fear of Joseph finally getting his revenge. Of Joseph using that incredible power he had, and that they would disappear, or worse. In desperation, they send a messenger, bearing a message that might just hit home, a rather nicely framed plea for mercy.

"Your father gave this command before he died, ¹⁷ 'Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father."

Note the skill in this plea. First, the reason they are approaching is not for them to beg for their mercy, nope it’s dad’s words, or at least they say these are dad’s words. They do admit how they have ripped apart their relationship, their family, that they plotted and planned their sin. But Joseph, Dad would have you forgive us of all that, you know. Dad really wanted this, so please forgive us, and remember, we are servants of God.

I do not think my brother and I ever came up with such a brilliant plea for mercy. But the brilliance speaks of their desperation. They desire to find someway to restore the relationship shattered by their sin. They desire to not have to pay the price of their actions. As they dive to the ground in worship and supplication, they so remind me of the prodigal son, looking for the smallest bit of kindness from their brother.

The Brother’s View

Joseph’s desire

Joseph’s Revelation

Joseph’s promise

Joseph is no longer the young man, with ambitious dreams. His dreams have come true, but at the cost of years of suffering, the years of slavery, and imprisonment. His reaction, heard through the tears, tells us how he has longed for the family of his youth. Listen again to his response to his brothers,

"Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? Or as another translation phrases it, Do not be afraid, for am I God, your judge?

Joseph has the power to do whatever he wants to these men, who tossed him, as a young man, into a bit, and sold him into slavery. He has the power, and even the authority, to have they tortured and killed. But he cannot. Perhaps he realizes that though that one day, they sinned against him, he had sinned against them as well. He is not qualified to be their judge, and his heart cries out a the very idea of that. Instead, he points them to God, with one of the most incredible realizations in all of scripture,

²⁰ As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

The miraculous, majestic power of God is amazing. It can call someone from being dead in sin, to becoming a live, born again. It can take those sinful actions, and weave them into a blessing that saves nations. That is the glorious message of today. The relationships that you have, in the past shattered, can be restored, in Christ.

For one day, many years after Joseph’s descendants left Egypt, another group of people stood around. One said that it would be better than one innocent man die, than the nation perish. Another vote occurs, and another man is separated from his family, lead out in sorrow and shame. What the others meant for his was evil, more evil than selling Joseph into slavery. They killed him, hanging him on a cross.

And once again, God’s majesty reigns, and what the people meant for evil, God determined would be for good. The death of Jesus, far more innocent than Joseph, would buy the freedom for not just a family, and not even just a nation – but the world.

Listen to the end of Joseph’s words to his brothers, and the description of them.

²¹ So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

I will provide for you and your little ones.

Compare them to these words,

³⁶ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." ³⁷ Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" ³⁸ And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." ⁴⁰ And with many other words he bore witness and continued to encourage them, Acts 2:36-40

I have often wondered, where Joseph found the peace, and the wisdom, to forgive his brothers. We look at Joseph, and we see him as a hero of the faith, a man who does what we would aspire to do. But the key to his ministering to his brothers, rather than judging them, comes, not from within himself. It comes, from seeing how God has used the sin and the suffering. You see, God promises that all things will work together for those He loves, for those called according to His purpose. It comes from knowing a pit, and a slave caravan, can save a people from famine. A cross, a vile and vicious instrument of torture, can in turn be redeemed and save a world form sin. If God can turn those things, what can He do with your hurt, what can He do with the sins you committed against your brother?

It doesn’t matter, if you are the sinner, or the person whom the evil was plotted against. It is time to see the miracle of what happens, when that is turned over to God. It is time to call the family together to be whole, once again. Some prodigals may take time to return – be ready when they do,

And remind them, that God in Christ, has redeemed them, and their lives.

And may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard you hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus, our brother, who suffered, that we might live… AMEN

The ROI Principle Applied

The R.O.I. Principle… Applied
Matt. 18:15-20
9/4

† In the Name of Jesus †

Grace and peace be yours, from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Because, we are going to need it…..

You may be wondering about this R.O.I principle that sits predominantly, in the title of this sermon. R.O.I. is not a theological term at all, but instead is business term, one used in analysis that leads to major decisions. It stands for “return on investment.” It compares what you would need to invest in a product, or a service, or even a location, or even a new employee, against what the potential profit return. Simply put, the greater the R.O.I., the better. Probably one of the better-known examples of R.O.I. was an investment of $50,000 back in the early 1980’s. Then, a small company in Seattle, bought from another company a software program called QDos, and renamed it MS-DOS. Microsoft owes its billions of dollars, to that simple purchase. The two leaders in home and school computers at the time, Tandy and Apple, turned down opportunities to purchase that software, and since have been effectively removed from any significant role in the computer industry.

Projecting ROI is, at best, an inexact art, simply because of a variable, and uncontrollable factor, known as “risk”. Usually, the greater the risk, the greater is the potential R.O.I; the question is, can the business or organization afford the risk? No greater place is that risk felt, than when it comes to “human resources”. Should I invest more time and money in a fairly radical dreamer to run the company, or do I stay with a proven person, who will keep things stable, but not necessarily growing? If I go with the dreamer, how many mistakes can I allow him, without risking the future of the organization?

Most of us, tend to be conservative in such decisions, tending to go with what we know, and are sure of, rather than try something new and radical. We even see this in our choices at restaurants and meals. Do I have my age old sweet and sour chicken and broccoli beef, or do I try the possibly incredible tasting drunken prawn and the crab and cream cheese filled wontons? It helps if we have someone who can vouch for the new item. The return on investment, in the case of your order at the Chinese restaurant, could be the most incredible dish you ever tasted, or it could be…well – horrific.

Today’s Gospel Reading, talks bout a potential investment we can make, in people. One with a interesting investment, with some risk, but with a payoff beyond belief. If we need someone to vouch for the investment, we can turn to Luther, for of the 54 volumes that contain his writings, 34 of the volumes contain 117 articles, letters and sermons based on this little passage. Abuses of this passage, he railed against, but not as much, as those who would refuse to invest, because of the risk.

The Investment
The Concept
The risk
The Ezekiel Passage
Transistion - A poor investment –

So, let us examine this passage’s directives, in view of the possible Return of Investment.

15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

The investment here, seems to come in three stages, each possibly resulting in the Return on the investment. The first investment, comes in the form of a conversation. A bit of time, perhaps some emotional discomfort, as you approach a person, whose relationship with you, can best be described as broken. Perhaps it was a lie told about you, or in the heat of competition, a slipped word they called you – which stung viciously. Perhaps it was a betrayal, a lack of respect, or a promise unkept. It does not matter, somehow, they missed the mark, they hurt you. The conversation is at once, both incredibly simple, and quite, intimidating.

Simple in that, all you do is identify the pain, the hurt, the infraction, and your desire, to restore the relationship that was damaged. It is intimidating, because in the effort, you must admit that you were hurt, and that you value that person more than the hurt they caused. It calls for vulnerability, a vulnerability and an openness, that the Bible says, may be ignored, or refused.

The next level of investment, puts a little more into it. Take a pastor or an elder or two with you, so that they may assist in the resolution of the matter. Again, the investment is given towards a specific resolution, and it would be hoped, that this level of investment, would result in the pay-off. But again, the investment is easier said than done. Indeed, there are times, where the “return” won’t even be seen at this level, and the cost and risk may need to rise to its highest level.

17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

At this point, the entire church gets involved in the resolution process. The community of faith is brought in, not to scandalize the person, nor to punish them, but as Luther said, but to lead him or her to repentance and faith; and prevent him or her from leading others into sin.

As we move from the investment, towards the “return”, we have to keep the focus of our actions clear. No matter what the step, the goal must be the reconciliation, the restoration of the relationship that is damaged.
A pastor recalls coming to a new congregation to discover a wide breach among many of the members. It felt very much like the old Hatfield/McCoy division, and the division had weakened every ministry of the church, to itself, and to its community.. After some weeks, the pastor discovered that the conflict had been in place for over 30 years and could be traced to two women, now both in their seventies, who were the first to disagree. After several months, the pastor called both women into his office and asked the big question, “What started the conflict? What was it that has kept the two of you from speaking to one another and so many members divided on one side or the other?” You may be able to guess the response. They could not remember any more the precipitating cause of the conflict. Over the years the initial point of anger dissipated and only rigid bitterness remained. This is what happens when the process of Matthew 18:15–20 is ignored in favor of walking away from fellow Christians rather than seeking peace.
WE have looked at the investment, and what happens if the investment is not made. What then, is the potential ROI that makes the investment worth it?

The Return
The celebrations!
How long an investment?

The return on investment is indicated in verse 15,

If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

I love the word for gain there, for it pictures a return beyond being fair. In 1 TImithy, the root word and its various forms are used to describe dishonest gain, or the kind of profit that satisfies even greed, an absurd amount, for the original investment. It pictures a return similar to Gates, with returns in the millions for a single dollar invested.

Therapeutically, there is the blessing of relieving from oneself, the resentment, even hatred that eats away at you, from the inside. That would be the normal return, the freedom from that mess that eats you up, but incredibly more, is the gain, when a relationship is fully restored. As hard as approaching the person is, the regard is a million times better! Consider the situation in 1 Cor, where the church had to discipline a member, whose behavior was atrocious. In chapter 5, Paul tells the church that they must take that last step, and bring him before the congregation, and expel him. Then in 2 Corinthians, the result of the hard work, bore fruit. Here is Paul’s advice there,

Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 2 Cor. 2:7–8
Another illustration of ROI
Another brother – coming to us,

I could suggest that these actions are commands, for in many ways, the work involved is not something any of us will willingly do. The discomfort involved is incredible. Do we use the law to motive the action? No. Never. It can show us what to do, but that is probably not enough.
Last week, we looked at Romans 12:1-8, where our motivation for using that which God had gifted us, was laid out. It was because we kept in mind the mercies of God, that we would live life sacrificially. So too it is here.
Keep in mind Jesus, who came to earth, with the specific goal of Matthew 18 in mind. He came, that He might find His R.O.I. – the church. He came, and confronted our sin, and sought to restore the broken relationship. Not punish, not divide, not gossip. He came to restore. His investment – His life, as He lived it perfectly. His death as well, as He took the burden of the sin, and bore it through the cross.

Think abut the joy you have, from knowing that you have been redeemed. Remember the joy you had, seeing a loved one being baptized, or the prodigal family member, return, forgiven by Jesus, and restored to the family.

As we look to our harvest season, the title of a book we received this week, describes us, at our best.

We are, and will be the “prodigal hugging church”. Haven’t read it much yet, but I love the picture. We are the brothers, who instead of complaining as Dad in tears of joy hugs the prodigal son, are running step in step with dad, reaching out to those that have walked away from God, and now are called back, by the father’s love.

For we too, were once the prodigals, and now having been restored by Jesus, know the joy, the peace, and the mercy of God, which surpasses all understanding, but guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. AMEN

A Unique Game of Cards

A Unique Game of Cards
Rom 12:1-8
8/28

† In the Name of Jesus †

Grace, mercy and peace be yours, from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ!

During this week, two things seem to dominate my time, besides writing this sermon. Yet, they would both become integral parts of this sermon. I gave a lot of thought this week, to the strengths of our congregation, and how we can use those strengths in ministering to each other, and to our communities. Our reading from Romans really deals a lot with encouraging us, to use those gifts each of us has been given, in service to God and the community He has placed us in.

The other thing that dominated my time, was the game of solitaire.

You see, I had a lot of waiting to do this week, as I waited for AAA to come and rescue me from two flat ties, and then time at the tire store, and then sitting around in the doctor’s office. I had my little handheld computer with me, and so, bored, I would play solitaire. Solitaire is one of those games that is addictive, simply because it is so frustrating! I think I figured out, I can win one out of every 7 or 8 games.

So, when looking for a good illustration to support what Romans 12:1-8 teaches, solitaire had already been on my mind a bit. I realized that solitaire is a pretty decent illustration of both the relationship we have with God, described in the first couple of verses, and the way the church works interpedently, under God’s guidance; as described in the rest of the passage.

AS we get into the illustration, here is basically how it works. The dealer, and solitaire player, is God. It is He who will decide how and when and where the cards will be played. We are cards, no two exactly alike in make-up or the gifts we are given. We may share different aspects of our nature with others. The game is our lives, and the goal is victory, everyone in his or her place, put there by the hand of our Master.

The Deck Made Ready
Pierced through?
Another piercing

As we begin Romans 12, the Apostle Paul starts, not by commanding us to do this or that, but appealing to our relationship with God. Hear the words again,

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy,

In the previous 11 chapters, Paul has focused on the history of our relationship with God; specifically the mercy of God. The mercy that takes us, who were enemies, and in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, made us again, His people. I think I can explain how it works, using this deck of cards.

Most of you know, that I am fairly cheap, and a few years ago, I came across a very cheap way to get decks of cards. That particular day, as I was walking through a casino’s gift shop…. Uhm I was there, not to gamble – but for dinner and to see Kansas in concert, I came across these barrels filled with decks of cards, they were 25 cents a deck, or five decks for a buck. Apparently, once a deck of cards is used in a casino, it becomes worthless. Apparently, the deck is now considered marked or marred, and because of that, they drill a hole in the deck, piercing it through. Such a mark means the deck is never to be used again.

Except by cheap preachers who like to play cards, and figured they might become a sermon illustration someday. Consider this verse, from 1 Corinthians,

20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Our lives were so much like a tossed aside and pierced deck of cards. Marred and marked by our sin, we deserved to be tossed into a bin, discarded and worthless. God comes along, and purchases us, by allowing Jesus to be pierced for us. Isaiah prophesied this 700 years before Jesus came,
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)

It still amazes me, that our God, chooses to use us, to take that which was worthless, and give us worth… . and then, as only a master can, He uses that worth.

The Game
Card Value (
Card Movement (gifts)

Starting in verse 6 of the reading, we see a description of the deck.
4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

Can you imagine playing solitaire, if there were two jacks of spades? And no 2 of hearts? Some of us may seem similar to each other, as the 5 of diamonds and 5 of hearts would, but even then, they are not the same. We each have a different set of gifts, and a different role in the church. 1 Corinthians 12 also has much to say on this, and it makes it quite clear, it is the Holy Spirit that determines who has which gifts, and indeed, sets it up that we minister to each other, using our gifts at just the right time.

That is why Paul says be soberminded about yourself. Having one gift or another doesn’t make you special, because God is the one responsible for giving it to you. Each gift, each person is needed in turn. So while you might, or might not have a more prominent gift, that gift is interdependent on other gifts before it can be used.

Back to the solitaire deck. Need a few volunteers. You’re a jack, you’re the queen, you’re the 10, and you’re the King, and I am the joker! Now everyone knows the King is the highest ranking card in the deck right? But if we are playing solitaire, the King cannot achieve the victory, it cannot be placed in home, until these other cards are moved there. Instead the King just sits and waits, until it is his turn, then he proclaims victory! Can you imagine if one of the cards in the deck said, hey,I am not going to allow myself to be played today, because I got in to late last night? Or, you know, I don’t care about this order thing, I am going to jump right into victory? Or even more subtle, I am the 4 of clubs, but I don’t like that 5, so I am going to wait until my friend, the 9 of spades comes bye, then I will let her come next to me, and I will support her. Or even, I don’t like being the 8 of hearts, so I am going to pretend I am the Jack of clubs!

In church, like in the game of solitaire, we are interdependent on each other. In fact, God has given each of us, to each other as gifts. The Holy Spirit gives the gifts as He wills, in order that the work of God can be completed in that church, and in its community. Think about it, most of us have trouble negotiating a 52 card deck – imagine if it were 90, or 200, or the Billion Christians in the world today, or the Billions throughout History. That is the job of our Master, on which He does, and wins, because of Jesus, our Messiah.

So indeed, be eager to do work around here. Find out what your gifts are, don’t assume, but pray and come talk about it with me, or the elders. Use them in consideration of those around you, for ultimately, gifts are used, not to glorify the user, but instead to glorify God, and serve the church and the community with them. Use them in faith, not because you have to, or because you feel guilty if you do not, but instead, realize the wondrous things that God is desiring for you to do, by the power of the Holy Spirit. See how it works, in conjunction with the other gifts we see used in this church.

The Victory
All Cards, united in Victory
At the Table, we see this

Someday, we shall see the victory, of all of us, in Heaven before the throne of God, worshipping Him in all of His majesty, in all of His glory. We shall all be there, united in Christ, heirs of the Victory over sin and satan and death. That is an incredible vision, a lot better than just seeing 52 cards lieing in order, at the middle of your desk, or computer screen.

It is a victory worth working towards, always remembering the incredible grace and mercy of God, which enables you to work in His presence, doing the work He has called you, and gifted you, to do. BY the way, that is what true worship is, a response too the love of God, using what He has given us, to do that which He has called us to do. To use our hearts, and hands and voices, our time, our treasure and our talents, in working in His kingdom, to bring Home the harvest of people, whom He has also called.

There is for us today, a small glimpse of that glory, a small glimpse of the grace of God, flowing over all of us. It is, as we partake in our Lord’s Supper. For there, we are equal, for there, God’s gifts of grace, love, forgiveness, mercy, all flow over us – not as individuals, but as a body, His body. As Paul says,

15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 1 Corinthians 10:15-18 (ESV)

SO my brothers and sisters in Christ, rejoice in the love of God, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and calls us to be one body, with many gifts, but one body together, in Christ.

And may His peace, which passes all understanding, guard your hearts, and minds, in Christ Jesus!