Epiphany 7A Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Gotcha! By Howard Anderson, February 20, 2011
|
|
- Henry Warner
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Epiphany 7A Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Gotcha! By Howard Anderson, February 20, 2011 She was only about 5'2" but compactly built. And, she was very drunk. She was a woman that the church had given food and support to over the past couple of months, since her husband had left her with two little children. And she was in despair. When I tried to tell her she would have to be sober before we could help her, (that was an ironclad policy) she hit me in the chin with a round house punch that connected so well I fell against the wall. Both stunned, we looked at one another, and began to laugh. She said, "now you are supposed to turn the other cheek so I can hit you again." And we both began to laugh. She left. Sobered up. And came back, and sheepishly apologized. She later was in recovery became a member of my Duluth parish and her two boys became acolytes. Perhaps two of the most misunderstood of the teachings of Jesus in scripture are the "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," and "turn the other cheek." The original intent of these Old Testament legal principles was to limit the damage done in retaliation. When some one did harm to you, your family or village, often, the retaliation was total, final and terrifically violent. So to limit the scope of the retaliation to an eye for an eye was a huge step forward in civility. Perhaps even more vexing to us today is the turning the other cheek. Walter Wink's wonderful book Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination points out that a blow to the right side of the face would indicate a backhand, demeaning slap by a superior to an inferior person. So turning the other cheek would mean that person feeling superior would need to hit you with a fist, acknowledging you an equal rather than an inferior. In absorbing that second blow, a person would be denying the aggressor's power to humiliate or dehumanize. Turn the other cheek. Gotcha! In those days Jewish men wore two garments; a tunic of linen worn next to the skin and a heavier cloak over it. The outer garment which was often used as a blanket, much like the Scots used their voluminous kilts, were protected by law, so that even a beggar would be able to keep warm on the chilly Palestinian winter nights. Because of the heavy burden of Roman taxes, many were deeply in debt, so Jesus was speaking of a law suit which demanded the linen garment as collateral for a loan, the debtor should also give up the outer garment protected by law. Thus,
2 the creditor would be breaking their own Roman enforced law, and, the defendant would be naked. Because seeing another person not your spouse or family was widely seen as shameful, the creditor would be shamed. Give them the cloak too. Gotcha! But Jesus doesn t stop there. He suggests that when the common practice of Roman soldiers who were by law able to press any person into carrying their armor and provisions one mile was enforced, they should offer a second mile. Here is yet another way an oppressed people could say to their oppressor, I am a child of God and you cannot take my dignity from me! Because if a Centurion found out that a legionnaire s equipment had been carried more than one mile by a person, they would get a severe reprimand and 10 lashes. to the extra mile. Gotcha! How clever Jesus was in finding ways to break the cycle of oppression without violence. Even on the surface level, Jesus is teaching us that a generous spirit can not only diffuse violence, not only help us retain our dignity, but also change the outcomes of our interactions with those who we might call our enemies. Those who Jesus says are, much to our deep chagrin, our neighbors whom God loves as much as God loves those of us who follow God s ways. Deeply rooted in the moral traditions of all three Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, is justice for and care of the poor and oppressed. In the season of Epiphany we have had one lesson after another which, if boiled down to there essence, would be the line from the Prophet Micah who wrote, And what does the Lord require of you, but to DO justice, Love kindness and walk humbly with your God. That is the essence of the faith and the very definition of following Jesus and he gives this advice again in today s gospel. Love one another! Jesus was formed in the crucible of a Jewish moral tradition given by Moses to the ages in among other places, Leviticus where we see that doing justice means not harvesting the grain fields up to the very edges and not taking all the grapes from your vineyard, but, rather, leaving some for those who have little or nothing. Now comes the gotcha for us. Jesus tells us love your enemies and give to people who beg. Okay Jesus, now you have stopped preaching and started meddling. All this turning the other cheek and such makes sense, but love my enemies? Pray for those who persecute me? And reward the improvident slackers who have not worked hard like I have by giving them money? I don t think so! I have a New Yorker cartoon of a man sitting with his friends and saying I m in the market for an easier religion!
3 Scripture holds deep and timeless truths. But we must seek not some sort of literal, scientific truth, but the abiding truthfulness in what Jesus teaches us. Jesus is asking us as we face the world to live out the love commandment, and in doing so, to be creative, bold and as Jesus tells us, wise as serpents and gentle as doves. One thing I have learned in 33 years of full time ministry, in attempting to follow Jesus, is to work with those who are motivated to change. We make a mistake if we think that giving our children, our spouses or those in need, everything they ask for can often enable destructive behavior. Until someone is motivated to change their behavior, the negative practices- abuse of drugs and alcohol, rampant consumerism (I call it shopaholism) and violent behaviors like bullying, we do them no good by placating them and tolerating these negative behaviors. This only makes things worse. Thus, Jesus is giving instruction to the oppressed in his day to not go along with the oppression, but to do a gotcha which shows, without violence, the fact that these oppressive or personally destructive behaviors take us no where good. Sometimes this tough love feels bad to us, but in the long run, it can often bear much fruit. Think about the thrilling events of the last two weeks in Egypt. Imagine if the young people in Trafir Square had responded to the attacks by the goon squads with an equal level of violence. They would have been crushed with military and police force, as the cruel Iranian, Libyan, Yemeni governments recently did as people protested the autocratic rule there. But by absorbing the body blows and even death, largely with only protective measures like creating a wall of sheet metal to protect themselves, the 30 year reign of Hosni Mubarak fell, despite the huge odds against that. Think of a true miracle of the 20th Century, the emergence of a democratic South Africa. Lester has spoken to us movingly about the violence against him, the rib breaking baton to a 12 year old s ribs, or the jack book on his neck, emblematic violence against all people of color, by the cruel apartheid government. Anyone who spoke out against the unjust ways of the government was severely punished. Klaas Vlietstra of our parish spoke of the secret police violating the home of his Dutch born South African parents because they were sympathetic to ending apartheid. In the dark of night they would break into his home and ransack it. It was terrifying to a child and to adults. When the African National Congresses more radical wing tried acts of
4 violence, the noose around the neck of the people only tightened. But when brave people like our own Archbishop Desmond Tutu repeatedly braved death by non-violent protest, apartheid collapsed. Perhaps one of the most powerful things I have ever seen was when a Black collaborator with the Apartheid regime was captured in the Soweto township, the people who were harmed by what he had done were intent on necklacking him- putting a gasoline soaked tire around his neck, lighting it and watching his excruciating pain as he burned to death. But Bishop Tutu was doing a visitation in a church in Soweto and people ran to get him. The diminutive Archbishop was knocked down twice as he fought his way through an enraged crowd. But he reached the informer just as someone was going to light the tire. He threw his arms around the traitor and said, If you are going to kill someone, kill me. The crowd sifted away, shamed by a Christ like act that might have cost Tutu his life, but as he pointed out afterward, I follow Christ. I could do no other, and he quoted today s lesson from Matthew that God loves even those who do unlovely things. And wonder of wonders, when Nelson Mandela was released from jail after 27 cruel years of incarceration under terrible conditions, and was very quickly elected president when all South Africans could vote, he showed us what the ethic the Prophet Micah and Jesus called us to looked like. He invited his jailers...let me say this again, his jailers, to sit in the front row at his inauguration as President of South Africa. Where violence has failed (think of most of the revolutions in the emerging world and their horrific blood baths), love and forgiveness succeeded. The predicted violent retribution many predicted for South Africa were avoided because leaders like Archbishop Tutu, Bishop Edward Mackenzie, Lester s grandfather,nelson Mandela- all followed the advice of Jesus and turned the other cheek. And in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission where the oppressors admitted what they did, asked forgiveness, and victims of the most horrendous crimes against them and their loved ones, forgave. And make no mistake about it, forgiveness costs. The seemingly unforgivable sins-abuse of helpless children, genocide, rape as an instrument of terror...history has proven that the only way to stop them is to not retaliate in kind, but rather, to give up the deeply engrained human desire to get even (and make no mistake about it there is exhilaration in getting even) and to live into the ethic of love that Christ showed us. It is a hard lesson. But we
5 are all called, at all times and in all places, to follow this example. Lucky for us, this hard ethic often leads to the very best results. My call to you this day, is to follow the teachings of Jesus and break the cycle of violence and anger. Do it at home in our most intimate relationships, at work, in the community. Do not retaliate. Do not return angry words when you have received them. Step back. Think. Then remember what Jesus tells us, The taunt to Jesus by the criminal on the cross next to him, if you are God, then save yourself echoes across the millennia. Dear Ones, it was not the nails that kept Jesus on the cross. It was love. And the cost of love can be high. But only love can save us. Only love can save the broken and struggling world. Only love...
The Things That Make for Peace
The Things That Make for Peace Leaders Guide: Bible Study Session 3 A Season of Title: Practicing Peace So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. Text: Matthew 5:38 42 Goal for the Session:
More informationTOUGH STUFF: IV - TURN THE OTHER CHEEK Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church March 18, Matthew 5:38-48
TOUGH STUFF: IV - TURN THE OTHER CHEEK Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church March 18, 2012 Matthew 5:38-48 Four weeks ago, when I started this Tough Stuff sermon series on the tough sayings
More informationDo not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.
George A. Mason 7 th Sunday after Epiphany Wilshire Baptist Church 19 February 2017 Dallas, Texas Disabusing Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; Matthew 5:38-48 Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you
More informationPowerful, Playful Protest Matthew 6: Feb. 2, This is our fifth of seventeen weeks with the gospel of Matthew. You are all invited to read
Powerful, Playful Protest Matthew 6: 38-48 Feb. 2, 2014 This is our fifth of seventeen weeks with the gospel of Matthew. You are all invited to read through the gospel of Matthew yourself and discover
More informationNot Quite. A sermon preached by James F. McIntire. Texts: Luke 6:20-31 Matthew 5: November 7, 2010 All Saints Sunday
Not Quite A sermon preached by James F. McIntire Texts: Luke 6:20-31 Matthew 5: 38-42 Copyright 2010 James F. McIntire All rights reserved. November 7, 2010 All Saints Sunday Hope United Methodist Church
More information[Date] Doormats & Dignity. Matthew 5:38-48
[Date] Doormats & Dignity Matthew 5:38-48 CCUMC FEBRUARY 23, 2014 Feb 23, 2014 Matthew 5:38-48 Doormats & Dignity 1 One summer evening in Broken Bow, Nebraska, a weary truck driver pulled his rig into
More informationYou Want Me To Do What? Matthew 5:38-48
1 Natalie W. Bell February 19, 2017 You Want Me To Do What? Matthew 5:38-48 Matthew 5:38-48: "You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist
More informationToday s Reading Matthew 5:38-48
Today s Reading Matthew 5:38-48 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn
More informationThe work of Christian Peacemaking Lesson 1: A Christian response to conflict. Turn the other cheek
Turn the other cheek Students should be guided through this role play: Show me (don t actually do it) how you would hit the person next to you on their right cheek They may be tempted to use the left hand.
More informationYou Have Heard It Said... But I say... Matthew 5:38-48
You Have Heard It Said... But I say... Matthew 5:38-48 Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek. Do not resist an evil doer. Talk about hard commandments! Yet the plain meaning of these Scriptures couldn
More informationGETTING EVEN Dr. George O. Wood
Dr. George O. Wood The scripture is from the fifth chapter of the gospel of Matthew, verses 38-42. In a series of illustrations of how to relate to your neighbor. How to go beyond the requirement of the
More informationExodus. Several decades ago, while the struggle for freedom for Africans. was raging in South Africa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Anglican
Exodus Several decades ago, while the struggle for freedom for Africans was raging in South Africa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, came to Cincinnati. Some people here may
More informationThe Revolutionary Disciple: Authentic Love Matthew 5:38-48
October 26, 2014-St. Andrews Sunday Rev. Dr. Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church The Revolutionary Disciple: Authentic Love Matthew 5:38-48 If we disciples pay attention to what Jesus has said so
More informationThe Commands of Christ. Sermon # 7. Going the Second Mile. Matthew 5:38-48
The Commands of Christ Sermon # 7 Going the Second Mile Matthew 5:38-48 In our relationships with others, often what passes for love is little more than a neat business transaction. People are kind to
More informationThe Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Matthew 5:38-48; Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Matthew 5:38-48; Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 I love the movie, The Godfather. That s understandable because the American Film Institute ranks it second behind only Citizen Kane
More informationNew Wine into New Wineskins 26 February 2006 Mark 2:13-22 The Rev. Todd R. Goddard, pastor Zion West Walworth United Methodist Church
The Rev. Todd R. Goddard, pastor 13Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. 14 As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax
More informationSeason after Pentecost - Forgiveness May 29, 2016 Haven Lutheran Church Hagerstown MD Readings: Matthew 18: 21-22; 2 Corinthians 2: 1-11
1 Season after Pentecost - Forgiveness May 29, 2016 Haven Lutheran Church Hagerstown MD Readings: Matthew 18: 21-22; 2 Corinthians 2: 1-11 Before the Reading of Scripture: Before we hear today s scripture
More informationDo not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Reading Matthew 10:34-42 Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against
More informationMatthew 5:38-42 Go the Extra Mile
P a g e 1 Matthew 5:38-42 Go the Extra Mile Listen to Dr. Helmut Thielicke Whenever I utter the formula I swear by God (we could add I swear on the Bible, I swear on my mother s grave really I m telling
More informationHE SAID WHAT? SUFFERING PERSONAL EVIL FOR GOOD
CHRISTIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE PO Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271 Postmodern Realities: JAPMR393 HE SAID WHAT? SUFFERING PERSONAL EVIL FOR GOOD by Ryan Steinbach This article first appeared in the Postmodern
More informationGrowing Nonviolence Matthew 5: April 29, 2018
1 Growing Nonviolence Matthew 5: 38-45 April 29, 2018 You have heard me say that I struggle with the aspect of Christianity that puts all its eggs in the belief basket because it feels like it can lead
More informationBeyond Being Right Seventh Sunday after Epiphany February 23, 2014 Jill R. Russell
Beyond Being Right Seventh Sunday after Epiphany February 23, 2014 Jill R. Russell Texts: Leviticus 19.1-2, 9-18; Psalm 119.33-40; 1 Corinthians 3.10-11, 16-23; Matthew 5.38-48 What is your first instinct
More informationSavoring God s Word. A Meditation on Matthew 5:38-42; Mark 9:35-37
Savoring God s Word A Meditation on Matthew 5:38-42; Mark 9:35-37 by Jan Johnson www.janjohnson.org HAVING THE HEART OF CHRIST Surrendering My Drivenness This meditation exercise about how God calls us
More informationOvercoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC
1 Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 7-9-16 We are in a sermon series on hearing God called The Voice. I had a sermon all prepared for today on that and then I heard the Voice! I felt the
More informationI m sure we would agree our experience tells us that it s not easy for anger be used constructively. Recycling Anger John 2:12-17, James 1:19-22
Recycling Anger John 2:12-17, James 1:19-22 Friends, the great protestant reformer Martin Luther - not to be confused with Martin Luther King once wrote when I am angry I can write, pray and preach well,
More informationFriends, let s get on with it. Amen.
1 The Sermon on the Mount: Love Your Enemies. Really? John 14:15-17, 25-27 and Matthew 5:38-48 May 15, 2016 Pentecost Sunday M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Be perfect. Not be pretty good,
More informationHoly Scriptures: Leviticus 19: 1-2, 9-18; Matthew 5: 38-48
You Forgave and I Won't Forget (Who Are Your Enemies?) Sermon for First Christian Church of Decatur, Georgia Season of Epiphany, Sunday, February 23, 2014 James L. Brewer-Calvert, Senior Pastor Holy Scriptures:
More informationPracticing vs. Preaching: Are we acting on our own theology? Most everyone has heard the old saying, You can talk the talk, but can you walk the
Graber 1 Cade Graber Eden Mennonite Church Peace Essay March 21, 2015 Practicing vs. Preaching: Are we acting on our own theology? Most everyone has heard the old saying, You can talk the talk, but can
More informationCh Ch 16 July 2017: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt.6.33)
Ch Ch 16 July 2017: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt.6.33) If you are like me you will have noticed from your television screen that after the London tower block disaster, as
More informationThe Book of Forgiving Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu
The Book of Forgiving Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu This book is about understanding, embracing, and practicing forgiveness. Forgiveness seems to be a simple and straightforward process, but reading this
More information(2) Listen to the text once again:
Like many of you, I have travelled a lot in my lifetime. These days my wife and I have a particular interest in Europe and we long to return to explore the treasures of Florence, Venice, Milan and Paris.
More informationA walk through the Sermon on the Mount to discover the characteristics that should mark every follower of Christ
A walk through the Sermon on the Mount to discover the characteristics that should mark every follower of Christ The Sermon on The Mount is one of the most famous, talked about, written about passages
More informationLoving Our Enemies Matthew 5: 38-48
Loving Our Enemies Matthew 5: 38-48 We are picking back up with the Gospel of Matthew. In reading this text, one thing to keep in mind is that it is part of a larger section. This is only a part of Jesus
More informationRetelling the Biblical Story: Joseph. sibling rivalry, love, hate, jealousy, lust, ambition, heroism and mercy.
Retelling the Biblical Story: Joseph Joseph s story tells of God working redemption in the midst of our human freedom. It is the story of the Providence of God, not as some fixed plan but as God s saving
More informationAuthority Romans Series Part 4: Under the Hood New Life Assembly Romans 13:1-14 October 23, 2011 AM
Authority Romans Series Part 4: Under the Hood New Life Assembly Romans 13:1-14 October 23, 2011 AM Main Sermon Idea: We must obey authorities that God has put in place and live ethically and morally for
More informationA CHEAT SHEET Religion and HUMAN RIGHTS
A CHEAT SHEET Religion and HUMAN RIGHTS Christian attitudes towards the law and human rights You are all made in the image of God One in Christ Love your neighbour These 3 teachings would mean that Christians
More informationThe Real Meaning of the F-Word
The Real Meaning of the F-Word To forgive is to set a prisoner free and find out that the prisoner was you. Lewis B. Smedes For some spiritually fragile people, forgiveness is like a dirty word. After
More informationPortions adapted from: How to Receive an Apology, by Wayne Field & God meant it for Good, by Jeff SermonCentral.Com
Joseph: Learning to forgive Genesis 50:15-25, Matthew 18 21-35 Portions adapted from: How to Receive an Apology, by Wayne Field & God meant it for Good, by Jeff Strite; @ SermonCentral.Com One year ago
More informationOCR GCSE Religious Studies B Philosophy and Applied Ethics Revision Book J121 (Short Course) J621 (Full Course) Ethics 2 Module B604
Name:. OCR GCSE Religious Studies B Philosophy and Applied Ethics Revision Book J121 (Short Course) J621 (Full Course) Ethics 2 Module B604 Religion, Peace and Justice In this topic you studied: Christian
More informationThe First Station - Jesus is Condemned to Death
The First Station - Jesus is Condemned to Death During this Station of the Cross, Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. Pilate didn t want to crucify Jesus, but the crowd shouted to Pontius Pilate
More informationLuke 15: Coming to Your Senses: Forgiving Yourself. Sunday November 3, Rev. Susan Cartmell. The Congregational Church of Needham
Page 1 Luke 15: 11-20 Coming to Your Senses: Forgiving Yourself Sunday November 3, 2013 Rev. Susan Cartmell The Congregational Church of Needham This month our worship theme is forgiveness. Our sermons
More informationARE THERE ANY JUST WARS?
ARE THERE ANY JUST WARS? DOES JESUS OPPOSE WAR? Jesus said that those who are peacemakers are blessed--not just peacekeepers, but those who actively seek to unite parties at odds with one another. In the
More informationBellaire Community UMC Passion Sunday March 25, 2018 Eric Falker Page 1. Passion Sunday. Series Love Leads the Way, part 2
Eric Falker Page 1 Mark 15:1-15 Passion Sunday Series Love Leads the Way, part 2 You are in the right place this morning. If it took an extra effort to come to worship today, that s OK. Sometimes it takes
More informationChildren s Liturgy of the Word
Children s Liturgy of the Word This Sunday s Gospel is quite a tough one! But it s also a beautiful challenge to us to choose to love and to respect the sacred identity of each other. We are God-bearers,
More informationGo The Second Mile Message 11 in Living The Salt Life Sermon Series (A Study of Jesus Sermon On The Mount) Matthew 5:38-42 (NKJV)
Message for THE LORD S DAY MORNING, March 17, 2013 MESSAGE 11 IN SERIES: Living The Salt Life (A Study of Jesus Sermon on The Mount) Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie
More informationA Word Concerning Confrontation # 10. Matthew 5: 38-42
A Word Concerning Confrontation # 10 Matthew 5: 38-42 As we continue our study in the Sermon on the Mount, we come to a passage that we all have heard a portion of quoted many times in our lives: An eye
More informationUnited Church in the Valley: Dec 9, 2018 Student Minister: Matthew Heesing Star Wars and the Christmas Story The Empire Strikes Back
1 United Church in the Valley: Dec 9, 2018 Student Minister: Matthew Heesing Star Wars and the Christmas Story The Empire Strikes Back Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-3; 16-18: King Herod was an agent of
More informationCommunicating information and ideas
J351/01 Communicating information and ideas Guidance This guide is designed to take you through the J351/01 OCR GCSE English Language exam paper for Component 1: Communicating information and ideas. Its
More informationThat s what today s lesson is about, learning to resist the siren song of the world and instead follow the music of the Christian faith.
1 Ephesians 5:15-20 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the
More informationLiving the Golden Rule A Sermon by the Rev. James R. Bridges UU Fellowship of the Poconos April 3, 2005
Living the Golden Rule A Sermon by the Rev. James R. Bridges UU Fellowship of the Poconos April 3, 2005 The question of how we relate to one another has always been intriguing to me. In part, this may
More informationThe Religion of the Second Mile
The Religion of the Second Mile Matthew 5:38-42: You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your
More information7 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A February 23, 2014
7 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A February 23, 2014 Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Matthew 5:38-48 Perfection is in the Eye of the Creator Has anyone
More information1 Kings 27-30, August 26, 2018
1 Kings 27-30, 40-43 August 26, 2018 Ephesians 6:10-20 Rev. David Pierce Paul is gathering the troops this morning. He s issuing a loud, clear rally cry: Put on your armor so that you can make your stand.
More informationThe Spirituality of the Law: Retaliation (Matthew 5:38-42)
CFCW-06/22/2014 The Spirituality of the Law: Retaliation (Matthew 5:38-42) Introduction America has a love affair with personal rights. It has been this way since the founding of our nation. Listen to
More informationTrigger warning: domestic violence
Trigger warning: domestic violence This is a long post, but it includes thoughts I ve held in for years. Everything in this post I ve written and thought deeply about. I absolutely believe it is all necessary
More informationPITWM VERSE BY VERSE MATTHEW 5:33-45 LESSON: CHRIST S NEW COMMANDS January 20, 2019
MATTHEW 5:33-45 LESSON: CHRIST S NEW COMMANDS January 20, 2019 INTRODUCTION: Jesus took six important Old Testament laws and interpreted them for His people in the light of the new life He came to give.
More informationActs 16:16-34; Luke 24:44-53
Easter 7 C/Ascension C May 12, 2013 Family of Christ Lutheran Church Chanhassen, Minnesota Pr Kristie Hennig Acts 16:16-34; Luke 24:44-53 This morning we gather around another dazzling story of the Holy
More informationThe Golden Rules: THE OTHER CHEEK AND THE SECOND MILE!
January 19, 2014 The Golden Rules: THE OTHER CHEEK AND THE SECOND MILE! Rev. Gary Haller First United Methodist Church Birmingham, Michigan Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42 You have heard that it was said, An
More informationAs disciples of Jesus Christ We are expected to be different Our readings today point out how different The world pushes us to perfection in many
As disciples of Jesus Christ We are expected to be different Our readings today point out how different The world pushes us to perfection in many ways As an athlete or a student A spouse or a profession
More informationPeace Series part 5, Living Peace November 18, 2018 Matthew 5:6-9; 5:38-43
Peace Series part 5, Living Peace November 18, 2018 Matthew 5:6-9; 5:38-43 HPMF Sermon Title: Peace Within Us Scripture Readings Matthew 5:6-9 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
More informationGenesis 50 : Matthew 18 : Sermon
Genesis 50 : 15 20 Matthew 18 : 21-35 Sermon I feel that I may have to apologise for this sermon, even though it isn t actually my fault. You will know that I try to be careful in my use of language, and
More informationNEVERTHELESS (Luke 23: 32-43) Now that the election is over, and I am no longer in danger of violating
1 NEVERTHELESS (Luke 23: 32-43) Now that the election is over, and I am no longer in danger of violating our 501c3 status as a non-profit organization by being accused of trying to sway people s vote against
More informationBe the Real You You Don t Have to Prove Anything By Bobby Schuller
Be the Real You You Don t Have to Prove Anything By Bobby Schuller I so believe that in that creed that we say every single Sunday, there is a tool. A tool that will allow you to tap into joy, peace, believe
More informationLove and Forgiveness A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss
Love and Forgiveness A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss It is not enough to know that love and forgiveness are possible. We have to find ways to bring them to life. -- Jack Kornfield On March 13, 2015,
More informationWelcome to Ekklesia, the newsletter of Peacebridge Ministries! Peacebridge Ministries has moved!
January 2011 VOL. 1 NO.1 Welcome to Ekklesia, the newsletter of Peacebridge Ministries! The title, EKKLESIA, is the ancient Greek term meaning, Gathering of the called out ones, also known as the Christian
More informationSermon for Sunday, 24 February, Prepared and Delivered by The Rev. Vicki Betsinger. Luke 6: Psalm 37:1-11; 39-40
Sermon for Sunday, 24 February, 2019 Prepared and Delivered by The Rev. Vicki Betsinger Luke 6:27-38 Psalm 37:1-11; 39-40 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable
More informationDISTINCT IN MY REACTIONS
GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes DISCUSS: Refer to the picture (PSG, p. 142) as you lead the group to respond to Question #1: How do you typically handle interruptions? GUIDE: Direct attention to The Bible
More informationEye for an Eye, Tooth for a Tooth
The following is a direct script of a teaching that is intended to be presented via video, incorporating relevant text, slides, media, and graphics to assist in illustration, thus facilitating the presentation
More informationcalled to him from within the bush, Moses! Moses!
A Deliverer is Called Exodus 3 & 4 June 21, 2015 So, we are in the third week of this summer series on Exodus, titled God Provides. Its been powerful for me to take note of how this theme continues to
More informationCalled Apart to Repentance, Luke 18:9-14. Jonathan Wilson. the lines of, Thank you for your message. I wish certain people had hears it.
Called Apart to Repentance, Luke 18:9-14 Elgin, 5 th Lent, March 22, 2015 Jonathan Wilson Introduction There have been times that I have preached where the comments back to me were along the lines of,
More informationForgiveness. KS3&4 Assembly. Choosing to forgive: how we say sorry
Forgiveness KS3&4 Assembly Choosing to forgive: how we say sorry Oasis 9 Habits KS3&4 Assembly Forgiveness Choosing to forgive: how we say sorry This assembly has been written for KS3&4 to help students
More informationThank you for downloading the CQ Rewind Summary Only Version!
Thank you for downloading the CQ Rewind Summary Only Version! Each week, the Summary Only version provides you with approximately four pages of brief excerpts from the program, along with Scripture citations.
More informationFebruary 11, 2018 Deut. 30: 11-14; Luke 17: 20-21; Mark 12: 32-34
February 11, 2018 Deut. 30: 11-14; Luke 17: 20-21; Mark 12: 32-34 Prayer: Dear God, help us to live into your kingdom that is already present. Help us to understand its meaning. In Jesus name we pray,
More informationMcCabe United Methodist Church January 13 & 14, 2018 Series: Puzzling Relationship The Puzzle of God and Others Pastor Mark Ehrmantraut
McCabe United Methodist Church January 13 & 14, 2018 Series: Puzzling Relationship The Puzzle of God and Others Pastor Mark Ehrmantraut Let s Pray: God of Power and God of mercy, we come this morning seeking
More informationREADINGS. The Friendly Forest by Rabbi Edwin Friedman from Friedman Fables
DRAWING THE LINE: THE SPACE BETWEEN BORDERS & BOUNDARIES Rev. Erin Gingrich Delivered to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston on October 30, 2011 READINGS The Friendly Forest by Rabbi Edwin Friedman
More informationA Mess Worth Making Power Play Kevin Haah Ephesians 5:21. November 9, 2014
[Slide 1] We are in the middle of a sermon series called,. It is a series on relationship and the mess/the conflicts in the relationship. [Slide 2] Today s sermon is entitled, Power Play. I remember I
More informationFreedom from Generational Bondage
Love Lifted Me Recovery Ministries http://www.loveliftedmerecovery.com Freedom from Generational Bondage THE BAD NEWS: Generational bondage, also known as hereditary curses, and which usually involves
More informationSermon : The Final Sacrifice Page 1
Sermon : The Final Sacrifice Page 1 The Final Sacrifice Text : John 19: 1-23 S#1. A. What s the worst thing you ever did? S#2. 1. You have done evil things and we all know it. Rom. 3: 10, 23 As it is written,
More informationSERVANTS of CHRIST. United Methodist Parish. The Yoke of Freedom
SERVANTS of CHRIST United Methodist Parish The Yoke of Freedom A Sermon by Rev LyAnna Johnson Smith, Associate Pastor July 6, 2014 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 11:28-30 Two weeks ago, many of
More informationApprenticed to Jesus: Revenge and Generosity Matthew 5:38-42
Apprenticed to Jesus: Revenge and Generosity Matthew 5:38-42 Eugene Peterson grew up in a good Christian home in a small town in Montana. His mother taught him about Jesus and how to live his life. He
More informationLuke 22:35-51 Put away your sword. Proposition: learn from Mr Wrong (Peter) what not to do and from Mr Right (Jesus) what to do.
Luke 22:35-51 Put away your sword Proposition: learn from Mr Wrong (Peter) what not to do and from Mr Right (Jesus) what to do. (Hopefully have an image of dark Gethsemane on the screen as I speak). Traditionally
More information2) Key Content: Religion and Prejudice
Year 9 Religious Studies Revision Contents 1) About the exam 2) Key content to revise 3) Types of exam questions 4) Example exam questions 1) About the exam The Year 9 Religious Studies exam is on the
More informationAn excellent collection of essays on South Africa has the title Justice vs. Truth. that struck me as a
JUSTICE VS. INJUSTICE Gabriel Moran An excellent collection of essays on South Africa has the title Justice vs. Truth. that struck me as a bad title before I read the book. My view was confirmed by reading
More informationJustice versus God s Justice
Desert Creek House 802 Desert Creek Road - Numbugga BEGA - NSW 2550 - AUSTRALIA Phone: ++61 (0)2 6492 8498 E-mail: yumorsier@skymesh.com.au 2 nd May Justice versus God s Justice Prayer The law of God is
More informationHow to respond When People Hurt You
1 How to respond when people hurt you How to respond When People Hurt You By Dave Batty What comes to your mind in response to the questions, Who has hurt you? Who has offended you? Who has lied about
More informationSTEP FOUR: FORGIVENESS. The act of pardoning or absolving, to cease to feel resentment against. Self Forgiveness Acceptance Harmony
STEP FOUR: FORGIVENESS The act of pardoning or absolving, to cease to feel resentment against Self Forgiveness Acceptance Harmony Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing
More informationThe Stations of the Cross for Young Adults
for Young Adults The Stations of the Cross is a centuries-old form of prayer used traditionally in Lent. Comprising of 14 stations, each depict moments leading up to Jesus crucifixion. By journeying through
More informationForgiveness Amid Persecution
May 18, 2014 Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 7:55 60 Ps. 31:1 5, 15 16 1 Pet. 2:2 10 John 14:1 14 Forgiveness Amid Goal for the Session In Stephen s witness and death, adults will be challenged to articulate
More informationNeighbor Issues. Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 & Matthew 5:38-48 Rev. James Ramsey, February 23, 2014
Neighbor Issues Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 & Matthew 5:38-48 Rev. James Ramsey, February 23, 2014 Most of us have neighbor issues. Books have been written on the subject. The LORD spoke to Moses about neighbors,
More informationGracious loving God, we thank you for the simple gift that is this day and
PASTORAL PRAYER Gracious loving God, we thank you for the simple gift that is this day and opportunity. We welcome the life-giving light of the sun to guide our way and the breeze to refresh us. We welcome
More informationThis is TOO Salty... Isaiah 58:1-12 selected & Matthew 5:13-16 When Jude and I had just started dating in the spring of 1980 in Kent, Ohio, there was
This is TOO Salty... Isaiah 58:1-12 selected & Matthew 5:13-16 When Jude and I had just started dating in the spring of 1980 in Kent, Ohio, there was still a chill in the air and one day she offered to
More informationSeventy Times Seven Program No IT IS WRITTEN SPEAKER: JOHN BRADSHAW
It Is Written Script: 1306 Seventy Times Seven Page 1 Seventy Times Seven Program No. 1306 IT IS WRITTEN SPEAKER: JOHN BRADSHAW John Bradshaw: Thanks for joining me on It Is Written. Today, we re discussing
More informationII. BACKGROUND FOR THE LESSON.
Sunday, January 20, 2019 Lesson: Matthew 5:33-45; Time of Action: 28 A.D.; Place of Action: A mountain near Capernaum in Galilee Golden Text: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse
More informationMOSES CONFIDENCE RENEWED Exodus 4:27-5:9,21-6:13, 28-7:17; 14:1-18, 20-31
1 MOSES CONFIDENCE RENEWED Exodus 4:27-5:9,21-6:13, 28-7:17; 14:1-18, 20-31 Moses had a problem! He had suffered severe emotional disturbance when he was rejected, first by his own people and then by the
More informationIt is Finished Pt 2 Ed Hatch, Pastor Palermo Christian Church April 2, 2017
It is Finished Pt 2 Ed Hatch, Pastor Palermo Christian Church April 2, 2017 John 19:28 30 (ESV) 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), I thirst. 29 A
More informationGOD S GRACE: WEEK 1 SERMONS BY RAY HOLLENBACH. Vineyard Christian Fellowship - Campbellsville, KY
GOD S GRACE: WEEK 1 SERMONS BY RAY HOLLENBACH Vineyard Christian Fellowship - Campbellsville, KY Today we set out on a four-week journey that has the potential to change our lives. Together, we will examine
More informationKazu Haga: The Creation of Our Beloved Community by Bela Shah
Kazu Haga: The Creation of Our Beloved Community by Bela Shah The following piece is based on an August 2nd, 2014 Awakin Call interview with Kazu Haga. You can listen to the full recording of the interview
More informationDisturbing the Peace 1
Disturbing the Peace Westminster Presbyterian Church John 17:20-26 Pastor Doug Browne Acts 16:16-34 April 22, 2018 (Easter 4) John 17:20-26 I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those
More informationHas anyone here ever heard of someone named Edmund Dantès? Edmund Dantès.
But what about my rights? (Matthew 5:38-48) Has anyone here ever heard of someone named Edmund Dantès? Edmund Dantès. Well, let me give you a hint. First of all, heʼs not real. Heʼs the main character
More informationForgiving Matthew September 14, 2014 Elizabeth Mangham Lott St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church
Forgiving Matthew 18.21-35 September 14, 2014 Elizabeth Mangham Lott St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church I have long loved Mister Rogers. For years, one of my prized possessions was an autographed photo
More information