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24
Feb '21
Lenten Bible Study – Day 7
24
Feb '21
Wednesday, February 24, 2021- Day 7
Luke 12: 16-21
16Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ 18Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”
16Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ 18Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”
I have a confession to make. Jesus is talking to me here. Back when I was just a youngster, with my life ahead of me, I was a true believer in the bumper sticker that read: He who dies with the most toys wins! And I wanted to win!
Over the years I have acquired a lot of stuff. And that stuff consumes most, if not all, of the storage space in my house. I know I am not alone. I see storage pods behind people’s houses that are filled with stuff that won’t fit in the house any more. I read that as of 2009 there is almost 2.5 billion square feet of self-storage space used in the United States. When our stuff outgrows our house, we rent big barns.
And for what? When my parents died, my brother and I had to go through all the stuff they had in their two homes. It took us 4 years. Almost all the things my parent’s stored were thrown away. Why did they keep this stuff? Stuck in an attic or garage or drawer, they never used it. They never even looked at it. As we did this, I realized that I would be leaving such a task to my kids. I have a lot of stuff in the attic and garage. Who will want it?
And for what? When my parents died, my brother and I had to go through all the stuff they had in their two homes. It took us 4 years. Almost all the things my parent’s stored were thrown away. Why did they keep this stuff? Stuck in an attic or garage or drawer, they never used it. They never even looked at it. As we did this, I realized that I would be leaving such a task to my kids. I have a lot of stuff in the attic and garage. Who will want it?
Why do we do this? Why do we fill our attics and pods and self-storage units with possessions we will never see or use again? I think it is because we believe our possessions define our lives. Prove our accomplishments. Value our worth. Things that we hope someone might look at and say: “What a great life he had!” But then something happens. We lose a job. We lose our health. We lose our life. And we realize that our stuff is really not so important. Maybe we look at it and realize that we have spent so much time preserving what we have that it distracted us from something better.
Which brings me to our parable. This is not a parable that denounces wealth. It does not denounce productivity or the benefits of financial security. What it does denounce is greed! Jesus says that the value of a person’s life is not based on the stuff the person possesses. Only greedy people think that way.
What does greed look like? The man’s attitude is entirely self-centered. There is no thought for the greater good or the greater community. Jesus is saying that there is an obligation to share. The Jewish listeners would have understood this quite clearly. Greed was unconscionable. It was bad for the community. Bad for the community because it left some community members behind. And that created conflict. Nothing creates more conflict that a shortage of resources. Abundance had to be shared. The ethic of the Old Testament was to care for all in the community.
But there is a bigger problem. How does this man describe his stuff?
My field.
My crops.
My barns
My goods.
My grain.
My soul.
It’s all mine! It is all within my control. And I will use it for my benefit.
God is given no credit. God is given no say. God is simply ignored. Jesus put it this way: 21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” What makes us rich toward God? Sharing the abundance we have received from God. So maybe we need to de-clutter. Simplify our lives so that we are less concerned with our stuff and more concerned with living a life that is rich in God.
My field.
My crops.
My barns
My goods.
My grain.
My soul.
It’s all mine! It is all within my control. And I will use it for my benefit.
God is given no credit. God is given no say. God is simply ignored. Jesus put it this way: 21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” What makes us rich toward God? Sharing the abundance we have received from God. So maybe we need to de-clutter. Simplify our lives so that we are less concerned with our stuff and more concerned with living a life that is rich in God.
Prayer:
Lord, during this Lenten season, help us to set priorities that imitate yours. Encourage us to share. To share out of our abundance to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick, welcome the strangers, love our neighbors. Teach is that to do these things proves our love for you, and so enjoy the riches of God. Amen
Lord, during this Lenten season, help us to set priorities that imitate yours. Encourage us to share. To share out of our abundance to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick, welcome the strangers, love our neighbors. Teach is that to do these things proves our love for you, and so enjoy the riches of God. Amen
23
Feb '21
Lenten Bible Study – Day 6
23
Feb '21
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 – Day 6
Mark 4:21-22
21 He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. 23 Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. 25 For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”
You may be thinking; didn’t we just do a parable about lamps a few days ago? Well you are right, we did. However, when ever I read something in a few different places in the Bible I take special notice. It is either something Jesus said a lot, or something that the people remembered. We cannot nor should not hide our light. Christ’s love in us should not be hidden, rather it should shine for others to see for God’s glory.
21 He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. 23 Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. 25 For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”
You may be thinking; didn’t we just do a parable about lamps a few days ago? Well you are right, we did. However, when ever I read something in a few different places in the Bible I take special notice. It is either something Jesus said a lot, or something that the people remembered. We cannot nor should not hide our light. Christ’s love in us should not be hidden, rather it should shine for others to see for God’s glory.
There is a famous saying attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, he says “preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary”. I love this quote and it is a great reminder to be constantly doing mission every day. Our lives should look like we really believe the words in the Bible! Most people in the Churches across the world believe we need to be proclaiming Jesus. The Bible tells us to go out and share the good news to be a lamp on a stand, but why can it be difficult?
There are a few reasons that some of us struggle to share their faith. In our world not, everyone is welcoming to hear about our faith. Some of us don’t feel like we know the Bible well enough to share our faith. That is why our actions are so important. It is not an either or of talking or doing, it is both. However, our action can open doors to conversation. Our action can preach the name of Jesus so much better than we can with words. What makes us shine like a lamp is how we treat our neighbors. It is in our loving actions, which will always shine the brightest. So bright that it proclaims the love of Christ to everyone who sees us!
Prayer:
Lord, we are thankful for your love. During this Lenten season let us be intentionally vigilant about being a bright light. Let our action be ones that we want to put up high and let others see, all for your glory. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, we are thankful for your love. During this Lenten season let us be intentionally vigilant about being a bright light. Let our action be ones that we want to put up high and let others see, all for your glory. Amen.
22
Feb '21
Lenten Bible Study – Day 5
22
Feb '21
Monday, February 22, 2021- Day 5
Luke 7: 41-43
41‘A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii,* and the other fifty. 42When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?’ 43Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus* said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’
41‘A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii,* and the other fifty. 42When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?’ 43Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus* said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’
The story that surrounds this little parable is this: Jesus has been invited to diner by Simon the Pharisee. Jesus is eating with Simon and in walks a “sinful” woman. She washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. She then pours expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. Simon is profoundly disturbed because he knows this woman is “sinful”. If Jesus were a prophet, and many said he was, Jesus would have known she was sinful and would not have let her touch him. Jesus, somehow knowing what was on Simon’s mind asks the question in the parable.
Let’s take it apart. Who is the creditor? Jesus, the incarnate God. Who is the 500 denarii debtor? The woman, who knows her sins are many. So, when the woman washes Jesus’ feet, dries them with her hair and anoints them with perfume, she is acknowledging her need for forgiveness.
Who is the 50 denarii debtor? Simon, who believes himself to be different from the woman. He is not sinful. So Simon has not been particularly hospitable to Jesus. He has not washed Jesus feet as was customary for hosts. He has not given Jesus a kiss on the cheek, as was also custom. Simon did not anoint Jesus’ head with oil, which would have been to honor Jesus. Simon has not given anything because he does not believe he needs anything.
Jesus’ forgiveness of the woman’s sins matches her expressed need. Simon gets what he thinks he needs – nothing. She loves Jesus a great deal. Simon, not at all.
Now which of them will love him more?’ 43Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus* said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’
What Simon misses is, in Paul’s words, this:
21 … [I]rrespective of law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith.
21 … [I]rrespective of law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith.
We are all sinners and need forgiveness. Much forgiveness. That is why Jesus came and died. So that we could be forgiven. If we don’t think we need it, and so don’t want it, maybe We deny that Jesus needed to die. We deny the Gospel. Don’t be Simon. Be like the woman. We need forgiveness and must go to the only one who can give it. So go to Jesus and get it.
Prayer:
Lord we confess that we have not done the things we should have done, done things we should not have done, said things we should not have said and not said things we should have said. We need your mercy. We are at your feet. Lead us through repentance this Lenten season and give us the forgiveness we need. Amen
Lord we confess that we have not done the things we should have done, done things we should not have done, said things we should not have said and not said things we should have said. We need your mercy. We are at your feet. Lead us through repentance this Lenten season and give us the forgiveness we need. Amen
12
Feb '21
JMPC Sunshine 02.12.2021
12
Feb '21
The CBS sitcom Gilligan’s Island premiered in September of 1964. The premise of the show was 7 wildly dissimilar people stranded on a deserted, uncharted island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. The initial theme song was a catchy tune that listed five of the seven characters. “Gilligan, the Skipper, too, a millionaire and his wife, a movie star…. The remaining two characters, the Professor and Mary Ann, were listed as “… and the rest” …. Why? They were originally considered “second-billed co-stars” But with the growing popularity of those characters in the first season, their names were inserted into the lyrics in the second season. “the Professor and Mary Ann” were added in place of “and the rest”. What does that have to do with the Christian religion? Nothing, of course. But it comes to mind when I am asked about the apostles. There are twelve, right? Can you name them all? Certainly Peter, James, John, Matthew, Judas and maybe Andrew. But what about “the rest”? Who are these second-billed co-stars? What do we know about them? What happened to them? Well, Pastor Jeff and Pastor Matt will be trying to find out answers to those questions in their 2021 Lenten Sermon Series,” Strange Companions”. We will be able to cover 7 of them, but we will cover all of them in time. This week Pastor Jeff will preview the series with a bit of background. We hope you will join us on Facebook Live at 10am on Sunday, February 14, 2021 (or later to watch the recording on Facebook or YouTube).
Listen: Weekly Sermon
PLEASE NOTE:
Until Further Notice Weekly Sermons Will Be Available Only In Video Format on JMPC’s Facebook Page or JMPC’s YouTube Channel.
See: Links to JMPC Resources
God Doesn’t Need Your Money, But God Calls You to Worship
"God Doesn't Need Your Money, But God Calls You to Worship" - 10.6.19 - Jeff Tindall
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Oct 6, 2019God Doesn’t Need Your Money, But God Calls You to Worship
God Doesn’t Need Your Money, But God Calls You to Worship"God Doesn't Need Your Money, But God Calls You to Worship" - 10.6.19 - Jeff Tindall
- Oct 6, 2019God Helps Those Who Help Themselves. Really?
- Sep 29, 2019God Helps Those Who Help Themselves. Really?
God Helps Those Who Help Themselves. Really?"God Helps Those Who Help Themselves. Really?" - 9.29.19 - Matt Fricker
- Sep 22, 2019Everything Happens for a Reason? Really?
Everything Happens for a Reason? Really?"Everything Happens for a Reason? Really?" 9.22.19 - Jeff Tindall
- Sep 15, 2019God Hates Sinners? Really?
God Hates Sinners? Really?"God Hates Sinners? Really?" 9.15.19 - Jeff Tindall
- Sep 8, 2019God Won’t Give Us More…
God Won’t Give Us More…"God Won't Give Us More..." - 9.8.19 - Jeff Tindall
- Sep 1, 2019Love What You Do
Love What You Do"Love What You Do" 9.1.19 - Matt Fricker
- Aug 18, 2019Who Is My Neighbor
Who Is My Neighbor"Who Is My Neighbor?" 8.18.19 - Jeff Tindall
- Aug 11, 2019Do This and You Will Live
Do This and You Will Live"Do This and You Will Live" 8.11.19 - Jeff Tindall
- Jul 28, 2019Ask, Seek, Knock, and Karl
Ask, Seek, Knock, and Karl"Ask, Seek, Knock, and Karl" - 7.28.19 - Rev. Jennifer Frayer
John McMillan Presbyterian Church
