Liberty in Christ

July 5, 2026 Romans 7:15-25 Liberty in Christ 6th Sunday after Pentecost Year A Prelude Greeting Call to Worship We gather to worship God with our full, imperfect selves. We come to delight in the law of God, who is Love. We gather as people who don’t always know what to do in the face of difficult and complex circumstances. We come to delight in the law of God, who is Love. We gather as people who desire to follow God with our actions but struggle to connect what we want to do with what we actually do. We come to delight in the law of God, who is Love. Whether you come to worship today wondering if there is anything good left in the world or rejoicing in the small moments of goodness that remind you grace is still at work among us, you are welcome here. We come to delight in the law of God, whose grace shows us how to live, work, play, and rest as a community of faith woven together by Love. Amen. Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, January 2026. Invocation God of all nations and all peoples, bless us as we gather in your name. Open us to vessels in building your kindom and spreading the good news of life and liberty. May we drink from the well of your abundance. May our cups overflow with your love. May our hearts burn in your presence. Be with us in this time and place. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Cheryl Lindsay) Song My Country Tis of Thee UMH 697 A Sermon for all Ages Good morning, boys and girls! This week we celebrate the Fourth of July. You may see flags, fireworks, parades, and people wearing red, white, and blue. The Fourth of July reminds us that our country values freedom. Freedom means we are not trapped or controlled by someone else. But today I want to talk about another word: liberty. Liberty means God helps us live the way He created us to live. The Bible tells us that even when we want to do good, sometimes we mess up. The apostle Paul said, “I do not do the good I want to do.” That means even grown-ups struggle sometimes! Have you ever wanted to be kind but said something mean? Have you ever wanted to share but kept something for yourself? Have you ever wanted to obey but did the wrong thing? That happens to all of us. Sin can feel like a chain around our hearts. But Jesus came to break those chains. A long time ago, preachers like George Whitefield and John Wesley told people that Jesus gives us real liberty. George Whitefield preached that we need a new heart through Jesus. John Wesley preached that we are saved by God’s grace. Grace means God loves us and helps us, even when we do not deserve it. So today, when you see a flag or fireworks, remember to thank God for our country. But also remember that the greatest freedom comes from Jesus. Jesus gives us liberty to love, forgive, tell the truth, share, and do what is right. Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for our country and for the freedoms we enjoy. Thank You most of all for Jesus, who gives us true liberty. Help us love others, do what is right, and live as Your children. Amen. Kuzma Offering Prayer of Confession Lord, we come before you this day confessing that we don’t understand our own actions. The very things we want to do, we don’t do. Too often, we find ourselves doing the very things we hate. We need you this day, Lord. The harmful behaviors we tried to put down, we keep picking back up, and our soul is hurting. The chance we had to fix that broken relationship came, But anger and rage rose up again, Inflicting harm and abuse upon the very people we said we loved. We need you this day, Lord. The opportunities we have been praying for came, But fear, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem drove them away. Lord, the good we want to do, we don’t do; and the evil we hate doing, we just keep doing. Lord, what messed-up souls we are. We need you now, Lord, this day. Rescue us from works that lead to death; save us from self-destructive behaviors. We submit our lives into your hands right now. (Silence) Thank you, God, for your Son Jesus, who will make it all right. Thank you for your Son Jesus. He will heal our sin-sick souls. Thank you, God, for Jesus Christ, our Lord. When we find it difficult to do the right thing, we will place our trust in you. We are convinced that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Glory to God! Amen. Adapted from Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. in The African Worship Book, Year A (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2006), 147, 155. Scripture Romans 7:15-25 Sermon Liberty in Christ So yesterday, on July 4th we celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But that was just the declaration, it took years after that for the nation to unite. It was a nation founded on moral values. The six values of our nation are • Equality: The belief that all individuals are inherently equal at birth, possessing the same natural rights, and should be treated equally before the law. [1, 2] • Liberty: The protection of fundamental human freedoms—including speech, religion, and the press—ensuring citizens can live free from arbitrary governmental control. [1, 2] • Consent of the Governed: The democratic principle that political power is derived from the people, who delegate that power to representatives through a social contract. [1, 2] • Individual Responsibility: The expectation that citizens will actively exercise self-governance, uphold civic morality, and take personal responsibility for their families and communities. [1, 2, 3, 4] • Limited Government: The constitutional framework of checks and balances and separation of powers designed to prevent the concentration of authority and protect individual liberties. [1, 2] • Justice: The idea that the rule of law must apply to everyone equally and that citizens have access to a fair, impartial legal process. [1] Many of our founding fathers were not particulary religious, - they were philosophers – thinking of a way to create a nation where people worked together for the good of one another – not the good of one person or group. I find it fascinating that they were religious to a point, but from a practical way. Ben Franklin had a morning regiman of taking one of the six virtues and using it as the foundation of his day in practice and in thought. Thomas Jefferson rewrote the new testament. He believed in the life and teachings of Jesus, but he had no use for the miracles, so he took them out. It is probably not much of a story, but Thomas Jefferson’s bible is still available today. Our founding fathers sought a nation of people living their best lives, and being their best selves. They soon learned that it is human to love, to care for others, to have discipline and to follow instructions. But it is also human to fail, to dislike, to disagree, to go as fare ass hate someone who does not agree with you, and to break even the best of habits. Perhaps that is why at the first continental congress he proposed that each session begin in prayer. It took a while, but congress agrees that prayer set the tone for the debates, and helped with reaching a united outcome. Franklin was not religious, but he did have great respect for an evangelist who came to America – George Whitefield. Whitefield spoke to thousands of people about God. The Great Awakening happened from 1730 -1740. Whitefield was one of the first superstars that people flocked to hear. His message was the true freedom can only be found in God. He was so compelling that people wanted to know more. Some would say that Whitefield was methodist – he was a part of the holy club in Oxford. By today’s standards he was very conservative – in teaching that salvation only comes through works for christ. John Wesley was also a part of the great awakening – of course reaching that salvation is in Christ, but that with salvation there is always grace. God will love us no matter how hard or how little we work. Whitefield and Wesley were often opposites in their teaching, yet it was Wesley who preached his funeral. Together they both became a part of the fabric of our nation and its values. This became a nation with liberty and justice for all. The message of the great awakening is that liberty is a given right from God. It is not granted from a nation, it is how god created us. In our freedom to live our lives, morality is a discipline that we have to be intentional about every day. Even in our intentional practice, we still struggle. If left to our own freedom alone, we fail. We need the power of God in all areas of our life, personal, public, as a nation. As grace would have it, this is where our scripture comes in. In Romans 7, Paul admits that he is human- that he has the best of intentions and they go wrong. We all have our Romans 7 moments. We promise ourselves we'll be more patient. Yet we lose our temper. We promise we'll forgive. Yet resentment keeps returning. We promise to love more deeply. Yet selfishness sneaks back into our hearts. Paul says that no matter what we do, there is a pervasive darkness that gets the better of us. Paul calls it sin. But the answer is God. God has the power to be the light. God has the power to bring Jesus back to life and bring salvation to us all. God is the miracle that Thomas Jefferson tried to take out of the bible, but he had no choice but to acknowledge. Paul says that God delivers us from our moral struggle. Even today in 2026 – we will struggle with ourselves, we all have Romans 7 moments. The good news is that we have a Romans 8 God – nothing can separate us from the love of God not even our sin. Celebrate founding of a nation where all free to pursue life, liberty and happiness. We often use the words freedom and liberty as though they mean exactly the same thing. But they are not quite identical. Freedom is often understood as the ability to do what we want. Liberty is something deeper. Liberty is the ability to become who we were created to be. Freedom says, "No one tells me what to do." Liberty says, "I am finally able to do what is right." Freedom removes chains from our hands. Liberty removes chains from our hearts. Liberty is a gift that only comes from God. May we live in it today and in the days to come. Amen. Song Battle Hymn of the Republic UMH 717 A Prayer for Our Country by Woodrow Wilson (in the Book of Common Worship) Almighty God, Ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive our shortcomings as a nation, purify our hearts to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders, and steadfastness to our people, and bring us at last to that fair city of peace whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, of which you are the designer and builder; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Continue to pray Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Song This is my Song UMH 437 Invitation to Communion Paul uses clear language in his letter to the Romans, sharing his understanding of the inner battle known to many of us. Caught in the struggle, he writes, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Week by week, as we gather at the Lord’s Table, we see the answer in the form of bread and juice. Out of death, God brought life! Out of despair, we can find redemption! All are invited to participate in this simple meal. It will not fill your belly, but it will bring rest to your spirit and provide energy for you to turn toward the Light and Life we know in Jesus, the Christ. Even in our brokenness, Jesus binds us together in one body. With this cup, we receive a transfusion, strengthening us for the ministries to which we are all called. Come! Find here the power to take on the yoke, and turn once more to follow Jesus in heart, mind, and spirit. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Communion Announcements Closing Prayer for YouTube As you go, Celebrate liberty and pursue justice Pray for the land on which you are planted And open space for neighbors seeking a home Remember the challenges and blessings of the past Work for the promise and hope of the future Knowing that the God of the Covenant Lives, reigns, and abides with us As the journey continues Go in peace and go for peace To love and to serve (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Cheryl Lindsay) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” May we answer Jesus’s call and be led, taught, guided, and strengthened as we live as his disciples. May the people of God embody, advocate and create Liberty and Justice for all (Inspired by Presbyterian Outlook, Philip Gladden) Additional Illustrations A Community of Practice, Not a Community of Perfectionby Leonard Sweet - Romans 7:15-25a When your child is playing a musical instrument that is “rented” from the school, instead “owned” by you, there is a big decision to make at the end of the school year. Do you pay rental fees for the summer break? Or do you turn the instrument in? Paying rental fees for the summer means that the instrument will be practiced on hot summer days and during beautiful sunsets. Turning the instrument in means that summer is for swimming, sleep-away camps, family vacations, flexible schedules and peace and quiet. Your decision is based both on the passion of your budding musician for their instrument and on your personal preferences. For parents, on the one hand, there is the knowledge that structure and practice and commitment are all good things for a young musician. On the other hand, there is the prospect of a few weeks without squeaks and squawks, without hearing the same fractured tune repeated over and over again in your head, an earworm that can be as ragging and nagging as “It’s a Small World After All.” Professional musicians, as well as the garage band guys, the Christmas party piano player, the community band enthusiasts--- all seem to make their music effortlessly. But it took a lot of squeaky-squawky, off-key, eardrum bruising moments to get to the degree of proficiency where, suddenly, they were making music. Music that brings ecstasy and enchantment. Music that channels creativity and sparks the imagination. Music that fills a lonely evening. Music that brings a party to life. Okay, okay: the hope of that mystic connection to music is why you DO pay for that instrument over the summer vacation. When it sounds good, it looks easy. But it took a lot of practice to get to that point of sounding good. Why is it we will put up with the imperfections and disruptions of “practice” when it comes to learning to play a musical instrument . . . but we find it so much harder to put up with the discord and dissonance that comes when we are all engaged in “practicing” the greatest instrument we have each been given? That instrument is the living Spirit of Christ within each of us. The Church is best defined as a “community of practice.” A place where those who have chosen to live the life of Christ can hit flats and sharps, miss entrances, go off-beat, and even get completely lost for a while— yet still be a part of the church community’s “practice session” that is Christ’s church. Isn’t growing a soul, like learning any musical instrument, a life-long project? Yes, it brings great joy. Yes, it brings focus and direction. Yes, it brings a love of artistic perfection. But it does take continual, gradual, life-long practice. In today’s epistle text it is not surprising that it took Martin Luther and other reformation theologians to shift the focus of Paul’s words away from the “pre-Christian” Saul to the “post-Christian” Paul… _______________________ Celebrating the Declaration Americans celebrate July 4, 1776 as Independence Day. We shouldn't. We should call it our DECLARATION of Independence Day, for merely signing, quite literally, our John Hancock’s on the declaration did not establish our independence. King George did not read the Declaration and then say to Thomas Jefferson, "Nice piece of writing Tom, y'all enjoy your USA, send me a postcard from Colonial Williamsburg." No, it took seven years of struggle before the Constitution could be written. Have we forgotten the struggle involved in this noble experiment of democracy? Do we cherish this land or do we shy from a word like "patriotism" because it's been co-opted by the fanatic fringe? To be "patriotic" is not to be blind to our nation's sins. Like every nation, we have our weak points. King Duncan, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com The Cost of Freedom On July 3, 1776, the day before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington wrote a letter to his wife, anticipating the hardships which would soon occur. Here in part are his words, "In a few days, you will see a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God. I am fully aware of the toil and blood and treasure what it will cost to maintain this declaration and support and defend these states; yes, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory." Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com ______________________ "America today is running on the momentum of a Godly ancestry, and when that momentum runs down, God help America." General Omar Bradley - Details: Bradley is the U.S. Army officer who commanded the highly effective 12th Army Group, which helped ensure the Allied victory over Germany during World War II; later he served as first chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (1949–53). ______________________ Historical Background to the Declaration On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), approved the Declaration of Independence. Its purpose was to set forth the principles upon which the Congress had acted two days earlier when it voted in favor of Richard Henry Lee's motion to declare the freedom and independence of the 13 American colonies from England. The Declaration was designed to influence public opinion and gain support both among the new states and abroad -- especially in France, from which the new "United States" sought military assistance. Although Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the committee charged with drafting the Declaration, the task fell to Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer. The document is mainly his work, although the committee and Congress as a whole made a total of 86 changes to Jefferson's draft. As a scholar well-versed in the ideas and ideals of the French and English Enlightenments, Jefferson found his greatest inspiration in the language and arguments of English philosopher John Locke, who had justified England's "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 on the basis of man's "natural rights." Locke's theory held that government was a contract between the governed and those governing, who derived their power solely from the consent of the governed and whose purpose it was to protect every man's inherent right to property, life and liberty. Jefferson's theory of "natural law" differed in that it substituted the inalienable right of "the pursuit of happiness" for "property," emphasizing that happiness is the product of civic virtue and public duty. The concept of the "pursuit of happiness" originated in the Common Sense School of Scottish philosophy, of which Lord Kames was the best-known proponent. Jefferson emphasized the contractual justification for independence, arguing that when the tyrannical government of King George III of England repeatedly violated "natural law, " the colonists had not only the right but the duty to revolt. The assembled Continental Congress deleted a few passages of the draft, and amended others, but outright rejected only two sections: 1) a derogatory reference to the English people; 2) a passionate denunciation of the slave trade. The latter section was left out, as Jefferson reported, to accede to the wishes of South Carolina and Georgia, who wanted to continue the importation of slaves. The rest of the draft was accepted on July 4, and 56 members of Congress began their formal signing of the document on August 2, 1776. From the Library of Congress: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/const/abt_declar.html ____________________ French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!" Alexis de Tocqueville - He was a political scientist, historian, and politician, best-known for "Democracy in America," 4 vol. (1835–40), a perceptive analysis of the political and social system of the United States in the early 19th century. _______________________________________________ Live Free or Die For many years the license plates of New Hampshire bore the slogan, made famous by Revolutionary War general John Stark – "live free or die." The irony is that those great words were printed onto the license plates by inmates in the state prison. They could not leave their prison, but many of us stay in our prisons when we have the power to leave. We want to live free, but we do not want to do what the gospel says we need to do to be truly free. By J. Michael Shannon, PREACHING, March/April 2004, p. 61. When Christ says, "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, but wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction" (KJV), he wasn’t trying to make life miserable. He wasn’t trying to fence us in. He was trying to release us into life. Have you ever been flying a plane at night and realize that your gas is getting low, your radio is out, and you are not sure where you are? Everything is black around you; no familiar landmarks are visible. You bore on into the night, with the sweat popping out all over you. You have almost given up hope - when suddenly there in the distance you see - yes, you do see it - a narrow parallel line of lights. Are you mad because those lights mark a runway that is narrow and straight? No! You breathe again and thank God. The straight and narrow runway means life. You can fly beyond it and die. You can fly short of it and crash. You can fly to the left of it or to the right of it, but you are no fool. You are grateful that a clear path of life has been laid out before you, where you can land with safety. That’s what Jesus was telling us. There is a way of life that God has prepared for us. We can reject it and destroy ourselves, but it is there to save us, to give us life. That’s what a high sense of Christian morality is all about. It is a way of life! Almost forty years ago Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote a brief article in the Reader’s Digest on "How to Tell the Difference Between Right and Wrong." It made good sense. That was in the day when all the young preachers were saying, "What a pity to be Fosdick and not to be able to quote Fosdick." The six points were simple and specific and would appeal to youth in any generation. Is it right or is it wrong? Or, "When to say ‘yes,’ and when to say ‘no.’ " 1. Does it make sense? There are too many uncontemplated actions. Back away from it, look at it, appraise it. Does it make sense? Don’t be silly! Don’t be stupid! Does it make sense to cheat yourself out of an education by cheating? Does it make sense to drink, smoke, shoot chemicals, thus making it impossible to know whether or not it does make sense? Does it make sense by careless, thoughtless, undisciplined boy and girl relationships to rob yourselves of the deep joy and lasting love that your home should give to you and your loved one as long as you live? If it doesn’t make sense, it’s wrong! 2. What does it do to others? "Is it fair?" If it’s right for me, it’s right for the other person. Good and evil are democratic. If it’s wrong for others, it’s wrong for me. Some people think mistakenly that, "All men were created equal, but some are more equal than others." A mother gave Bobby a plate with two pieces of cake, saying, "Give Jimmy his choice." Soon she heard Jimmy wailing. She called out, "Bobby, I said to give Jimmy his choice." "I did," came back the reply. "I said he could take the little piece or none." If it hurts or crushes or destroys others, it’s wrong! 3. Would I like to see it in print? This is the "Publicity Test." It’s a little thing. Nobody will know about it. It won’t make much difference, just this once. But how would you like to see it on the front page of your newspaper tomorrow morning, for all to see? Would you be glad, or would you run and hide? Nothing is really hidden. I know about it. God knows about it, and soon others will know about it. Jesus spoke truth when he said: "That which is whispered in secret in your closet will be shouted from the rooftops." If you would not like to see it in print, the answer is "No!" 4. What does it do to my highest ideals? An ideal is something that you believe in. This is the way life should be. Will this thing make me a better person? Or does it let me down? Does it make me a finer, more wholesome, a stronger person? Or does it betray me? Is this what I really believe in? Or does it undermine all that I stand for? If it does not fit my highest ideals, the answer is "No!" 5. What would the person I admire most think of this? My boyfriend, my girlfriend, my future wife, my future husband; my parents; some favorite teacher; what would Christ think of this? What would my future children think of me? I do not belong to myself alone. I cannot hurt myself without hurting others. I am all tied up in "the bundle of life" with others. People care about me; God cares. If those I admire most would be happy about this, the answer is "Yes!" 6. What will it do to my after self? Is this the kind of person I want to become? Maybe it makes little difference now, but if I continued this as a practice, what would I be like twenty years from now? Would I like myself? Every day is Judgment Day - step by step, I am becoming inexorably what I am to be. "A habit is first a cobweb, then a cable." I can be freed for greatness, or enslaved hopelessly by my own practices. Do I have the right to do today that which will destroy me tomorrow? If it will not turn out well twenty years from now, the answer is "No!" This can be illustrated by a unique story told by Reuel Howe. A little girl had disobeyed her mother. She felt guilty and, therefore, hostile toward her mother. The mother tried to help, but the child rejected her. Angry and hostile the child stamped out of the room, stamped up the stairs, went into her room and slammed the door. Alone in that upstairs room, the little girl, still possessed by the demon of guilt, and her rejection of her mother, saw her mother’s new party dress hanging on the door. She saw the scissors on the table She grabbed the scissors, like a little fiend, and mutilated the dress. The mother had followed the child upstairs, in love and concern, seeking to help She came into the room, saw what had happened, and fell brokenhearted across the bed, sobbing. The little girl could not stand it. She eased timidly up against the bed and whispered, "Mama." No reply, just more sobs Again, "Mama, Mama." No reply. Then, "Mama, Mama, please." Finally the mother responded through her sobs, "Please, what?" "Please take me back. Please take me back."3 (How long, how long will we resist God, because of our guilt, mutilating our lives and his world, before we cry out? "Please take us back. Please take us back.") The mother reached out her arm and drew her daughter close to her. That was all. That was enough. We all have our “Romans 7 moments” moments when we will to do good but do evil, or as Paul puts it in this morning’s text, “For I do not do the good that I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do” (7:19). The problem with human beings is that we have just enough of what Paul called his “inner self” or “true self,” what Isaiah called “the still small voice,” to know what we SHOULD do. But we lack the ability to actually DO it. Actually, what we “lack” is the wholeness and unity of spirit that would put us in a right relationship with God. What we have instead is a fallen nature, a fractured self, a fragmented soul which lives in a state removed from or in opposition to, God. It is that state we call “sin.” Jewish writer/holocaust survivor Chaim Potok wrote, “A man is born into this world with only a tiny spark of goodness in him. The spark is God; it is the soul; the rest is ugliness and evil, a shell. The spark must be guarded like a treasure; it must be nurtured; it must be fanned into flame. It must learn to seek out other sparks, it must dominate the shell” (The Chosen [1967]). Another Jewish writer/Christian martyr Paul of Tarsus recognized the existence of this “spark,” but realized that without divine deliverance the strength of sin would forever keep the damper down on our sacred spark: “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing that I hate” (7:15). Human history is a litany of Romans 7 moments, of good deeds gone bad: Romans 8 God: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him . . . What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? . . . . (35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (36) As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." (37) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ChristianGlobe Networks, Inc., Leonard Sweet Sermons, by Leonard Sweet

Receiving God

July 2, 2023 Matthew 10:40-42 5th Sunday of Pentecost Receiving God Year A Prelude Welcome Call to Worship (inspired by Matthew 10:40-42) One: Welcome to all gathered, and on line, as we come to worship God. Many: With our words and our actions, we extend greetings to all. One: Prophets, Righteous, old and young, this is the place to find your reward. Many: We’ve come to offer our gifts, and give thanks for all God is doing. One: Even a cup of cold water is appreciated! Many: So we lift our voices and sing our praise! (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Opening Prayer Ever-present God, we’ve come to praise your name, and to honor you with our time, our talent and our treasure. Help us steady our hearts, and focus our minds on your presence among us. Accept our intentions to worship you alone, for you’ve given us power through your Spirit. We receive what you offer, and give you our thanks, through Jesus Christ, whose life, death & resurrection we celebrate! AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Song America the Beautiful UMH 696 Children’s Sermon This week we will celebrate Independence Day! That is our country's birthday. This morning I have the American Flag. This is the flag of the United States of America. As you know, our flag is red, white, and blue. Have you ever stopped to think what those colors mean? Red: Red stands for courage. Many men and women have had the courage to stand up and fight for our country. They have defended our country against our enemies and many have died in the service of our country. White: White stands for purity. Purity means to do what is right. We hope and pray that our country will always stand for what is right. Blue: Blue stands for justice. When we pledge allegiance to the flag, we end with the words: "With liberty and justice for all." That means that in our country, everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. The colors red, white, and blue remind me of our country, but those colors also remind me of Jesus. Red reminds me of Jesus' blood that was shed when he died on the cross for my sin. That is very important, because the Bible says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). White reminds me that when I give my heart to Jesus, he washes me and I become as "white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). The Bible says, "you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 6:10). Blue reminds me of God's faithfulness. The Bible tells us that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and make us clean" (1 John 1:9). God is faithful to keep His promises. Red, white, and blue. Yes, I am reminded of our great country, but more importantly, I am reminded of our great Savior, Jesus. You know, even in our nation’s history, we see a lot of mixed message welcomes. For example, do you recognize this? (Hold up picture of the Statue of Liberty) It’s called the Statue of Liberty. It stands in the harbor outside New York, right by a place called Ellis Island. The statue is a symbol of freedom, and it even has a poem on it welcoming people who are tired and yearn to be free. It was the first thing that immigrants saw when they moved to the United States from other countries. But they would pass through this processing place called Ellis Island, where they were screened, and sometimes sent back home, if they didn’t have good health, or plans, or enough money. Even if they made it through, these immigrants were often treated poorly by other people. Sometimes Americans refused to give them jobs or food or a place to stay. I wish that were ancient history, but it still happens. (Hold up recent picture of immigration processing center, protest at a wall, or other immigration-related news). Some people do not want to welcome others who aren’t like them. Unfortunately, this can even happen in churches. We might say we welcome everyone, but if people look a certain way, they might be treated negatively or feel cast out. This is not what Jesus wanted. To be sure, we need to make sure that we stay safe. We can’t just throw open the doors of our houses to anyone who might walk in and do something evil. We do want to wear masks and make sure we’re feeling healthy for the sake of other people. And we need to monitor the situation of our country and population. Father, we thank You for those who fought for our freedom. We thank You even more for Jesus, who gave us freedom from death and freedom from sin. Help us to live in that freedom by doing what is right and not giving in to our temptations to do wrong. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. (Ministry to Children – Kristin Schmidt) Prayer of Reflection and Transformation Holy Prophet, Divine Warmth, Creating a home for strangers and friends can often take extra effort. From the extra cleaning to food preparations, we spend extra time, talents, and treasures to care for your children. Sometimes, we often do not feel as if we have the energy to go the extra distance – to ensure the drinks are cold and our homes are cozy. Give us an extra boost in our bodies, minds, and souls to be the welcome team in your Realm. May we embrace divine hospitality as we care for the ones struggling the most, the ones caring for your creation, and the ones speaking prophetically for you. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Michelle Torigan) Words of Grace and Love God continues to welcome us into the Divine Realm even when we walk past its doorway. God’s magnificent grace will refresh our hearts, inspiring us to return again. Amen. (United Church of Christ, Michelle Torigan) Scripture Matthew 10:40-42 Sermon Receiving God Usually for the 4th of July I always talk about freedom in Christ – but today I want to talk about discipleship – what does it cost us to citizens of heaven. No, the 4th is not a Christian holiday – Christianity and the building of our nation go hand in hand. Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics." – George Washington’s Farewell Address to Nation Our legal system is based on the ten commandments, the United Methodist church is structured just like the US government, and the values of our nation are based on God. "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." "Under God" and the Pledge of Allegiance The words "under God were taken from Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, "…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth…" and were added to the Pledge of Allegiance on June 14, 1954 by a joint resolution of Congress, 243 (Public Law 83-396). (The Pledge was initially adopted by the 79th Congress on December 28, 1945, as Public Law 287.) On June 14, 1954, President Eisenhower signed into law the pledge: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." President Eisenhower gave his support to the Congressional Act, which added the phrase, "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance, saying: "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war." President Eisenhower then stood on the steps of the Capitol Building and recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time with the phrase, "one nation under God." From America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations, William J. Federer, Fame Publishing. In light of the presence of God in the principles of our nation, service to the greater good and a willingness to sacrifice are important. This dedication to the greater good is shared by our founding fathers and the disciples of christ. Both of these groups were so committed that they were willing to sacrifice. Sermon Opener – Never Underestimate the Power of a Cold Cup of Water - Matthew 10:40-42 Now I would like to stop the world for just one minute and ask you to think back. Think back with me to the first century. Think about those 50 years after Jesus’ death and what it must been like for Jesus’ disciples. Before the last one died their efforts had brought 500,000 men, women, and children into the ranks of the church. But what they had to suffer in order to accomplish this task is seldom discussed. We like the outcome of their discipleship but we don’t want to hear the cost of discipleship. So for the record here is the cost: History tells us… 1. John died of extreme old age exiled to the island of Patmos. 2. Judas Iscariot, after betraying his Lord, hanged himself. 3. Peter was crucified; head downward, during the persecution of Nero. 4. Andrew died on a cross at Patrae, a Grecian Colony. 5. James, the younger, son of Alphaeus, was thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple, and then beaten to death with a club. 6. Bartholomew was flayed alive in Albanapolis, Armenia. 7. James, the elder son of Zebedee, was beheaded at Jerusalem. 8. Thomas, the doubter, was run through the body with a lance at Coromandel, in the East Indies. 9. Philip was hanged against a pillar at Heropolis. 10. Thaddeus was shot to death with arrows. 11. Simon died on a cross in Persia (what we now call Iran.) 12. Matthew was first stoned and then beheaded. What sacrifices! And I ask you why? Why did they choose to die this way? Why desert your father and mother, your wife and child, and your home? Why put up with the constant humiliation, and hunger, and persecution, and defeat town after town after town? I’ll tell you why, because, in the words of Apostle Paul, they were held captive by the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is Paul’s way of saying they were slaves to Christ… Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty. At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson's home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion. Today is an opportunity to honor both groups of all men. But all of us have a chance to fulfill their legacy. In the book of Matthew, Jesus is a teacher – he gives 2 major teachings. First – the sermon on the mount is for the people. Chapters 9 and 10 are the second lesson, giving specifically to the disciples. Apparently, Jesus is preparing them for a mission. We don’t know what the mission is, and we never hear in Matthew if they completed the mission. Mark and Luke speak of the mission, but they don’t go into detail like Matthew does. Jesus tells all of us who are still sent on this mission – to take up your cross and follow me. Trying to help people is not easy, and most of the time the people who you re trying to help are going to destroy you. And yet you still serve. When buddhist monks are sent to help the community they are given a begging bowl. – they knock on doors and eat what people are willing to put in the bowl. When Jesus sends out his disciples, he tells them to take nothing for the journey. To depend totally on the kindness of others. If they show kindness to stay and serve them, if they don’t shake the dust off of your feet and to keep stepping. Relying of the kindness of strangers – that is the meaning of the word hospitality. Hospitality is a latin word that literally means turning strangers into friends. The foundation of our faith – our mission has always been to turn strangers into friends. Jesus mission for us is to care for people, to provide for everyone’s basic needs and to welcome them into the circle. Jesus says that when we welcome strangers – that we are welcoming him, when we welcome him we are welcoming God Hospitality is not only the foundation of our faith, it is our connection to God. We all know that the business of hospitality is much more dangerous today then it was in Jesus’ day. We are close to the anniversary of the shooting of church members who invited a stranger to their bible study. That is one of many attacks on houses of worship in recent years. And yet, Jesus still calls us to be in the mission of hospitality. Whoever Welcomes You, Welcomes Me Recently I was sent this story. The author said, I saw him in the church building for the first time on Wednesday. He was in his mid-70’s with thinning silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several other Christian friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the good news with him. He was well respected, honest, a man of good character. He acted much like a Christian would act, but he never came to church or professed Christ. After I got to know him well and we had talked about a wide range of subjects I asked him if he had ever been to a church service. He hesitated. Then with a twisted grimace told me of an experience he had as a boy. He was raised in a large family. His parents survived the depression but they struggled to provide food and clothing for the family. When he was around ten years old a friend invited him to go to church with his family. He went – the Sunday School class was great. The songs were fun to sing and the stories, oh the great Bible stories, were exciting to hear. He had never heard anyone read from the Bible before. As class ended the teacher pulled him aside and said, “Son, please don’t come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come into God’s house.” He looked down at his old hand me down overalls that were certainly worn and tattered. He thought about that for a moment and said softly, “No ma’am I won’t ever.” Then he looked at me, the author wrote and said, “And you know what… I never did.” It was clear that he was done with that conversation. The author reflected, I am sure that the Sunday School teacher meant well and in fact was representing the feeling of the majority of the folks in that church. But what if, what if she had put her arms around the dirty little boy in the ragged overalls and said, “Son, I am thrilled that you came this morning and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus because he loves you so much.” Moreover what if she would have talked with her pastor or her friends in the church and mobilized a full blown outreach effort to help this family make ends meet. What if that church would have thought, Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Or whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple will receive a great reward (v. 40 & 42) The story ended like this: Yes I saw him in the church house for the first time on Wednesday and I cried as I looked at the immaculately dressed old gentleman lying there in his casket. He was looking his best. But all I could think of were those words of an impressionable little ten-year-old boy echoing in my mind, “No ma’am I won’t ever.” David Wiggs, Who Needs a Welcome? The kindness that we show to others really makes a difference. How we treat others has a lasting impressions. Jesus sends us out into the world to serve and to be served. Take nothing for your journey, rely on the kindness of others. Three times in two sentences Jesus says that when we give and receive kindness that we will receive a reward. As Christians we are always both the giver and the receiver of hospitality. We should always be welcoming and welcomeable. Sometimes our reward big and something the truly affects us, and sometimes our reward is spiritual. But our hospitality never goes unnoticed by God. Simple Caring For several weeks, Mrs. Sherman's first-grade class had waited for the field trip to the observatory. Notices had been sent home with instructions about the bus, lunch, and times of departure and return. To the students, waiting for the field trip was like waiting for Christmas. Finally, the day arrived. We grabbed our lunches and coats and lined up for the bus. In the back of the room, one boy began to cry because he had forgotten to bring a lunch and would have to stay behind with another teacher. In a few minutes, the other children had contributed extra sandwiches, fruit, desserts, and drinks until the boy had a feast for his lunch. With new tears, this time tears of gratitude, he grabbed his coat, lined up, and climbed onto the bus. We had given him a "cup of cold water." Acts of service are not always dramatic or earth-shattering. Simple caring is all that is needed. Discipleship means being alert for opportunities to care, to demonstrate God's loving-kindness, and to teach others to do the same. Gene Blair Our hospitality opens the door to healing in the lives of others. I know that I have used this quote before, but I think that it is a fitting end today. French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!" Alexis de Tocqueville. As disciples of Christ, let us continue to show hospitality to others. Amen. Song This is My Song UMH 437 Independence Day Prayer We pause as a people to lift up our prayers of thanksgiving, intercession, lamentation and petition. We ask you to accept the prayers we make that serve your will and fulfill the vision you have for our world. As we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy on this Independence Day, we pray for peoples and countries struggling under oppressive regimes, abusive systems of power and coercive means of control. We pray for our nation’s leaders who seek creative ways to address complex problems. We pray for the safety and well-being of our military personnel, especially those serving in harm’s way. We pray for those who are traveling this weekend, that they might be responsible and safe. We pray for those in our nation still waiting to be freed from hunger, poverty and the ravages of injustice. We prayer for those whom we hold in our heart. Fill all people with your Holy Spirit that we might bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. United as a family of faith and as the Body of Christ we lift these prayers up to you, God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Finally, hear us pray the prayer Christ taught us Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell Ott) Stewardship Moment For many communities, this is prime vacation time! Summer, school’s out, weather is warm, and the earth is in full bloom. And still, we’ve come together on this Lord’s Day morning, to offer our thanksgiving to the Giver of Life. Here’s the challenge: What can we give to the one who has created all that is? The Psalmist cried out in lament, and then declared I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, (who) has dealt bountifully with me. Today, trusting in God’s steadfast love, we invite you to share your financial gifts, your prayers of thanksgiving and your voices, as we receive our morning offering. (Invite the congregation to walk forward, as those with monetary gifts lay envelopes, checks and/or cash in an offering tray while the congregation sings CH#379 “Accept, O God, the Gifts We Bring”) Prayer of Thanksgiving Ever-giving God, thank you for the many ways you continue to encourage and challenge us. May your life flow abundantly through us! Please receive this offering. Use it, and use us, to free up the good gifts of life for others. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Invitation to Communion (reflecting on Romans 6:23) Over years of life, many of us have had reason to ask “what will my wages be?” or “What will I be paid?” Paul, writing to the Romans, sets out a clear description: “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” It is THAT free gift which we celebrate each time we come to this table. Here we touch and taste the gift we’ve been given, as we eat bread and drink a sip of juice. These emblems symbolize for each of us the gift of LIFE in Christ Jesus, our Lord. No need to worry about being underpaid, or unpaid. Jesus Christ is the strong foundation on which our lives can stand, secure. So come, share in this meal of remembrance and thanksgiving. God is making a WAY for each and for all to step into eternal life which is ours here and now. Communion And Passing of the Peace Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook May God keep you safe May your bellies be full May your thirst be quenched May your hearts be blessed With knowing you are loved And may you share that love With all who come your way Amen. From Liturgies from Below: Praying with People at the Ends of the World, ed. Cláudio Carvalhaes Joys and Concerns Benediction Do not ever be afraid to welcome others. Bring your welcoming, accepting spirit to all those whom you meet. May God go with you on your journey this week and all of your days. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley)

Hospitality

4th Sunday After Pentecost Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Hospitality Year C Opening Song Welcome (Personal note to self – mention communion and financial report) Call to Worship L: Praise be to God who has freed us from oppression! P: Praise be to God who has healed our wounded souls! L: Let our hearts rejoice at God’s redeeming love. P: Let our voices raise in songs of thanksgiving for all that God is doing for us. L: Come, let us worship the Lord with our whole hearts! P: May our praise and voices resound with joy! AMEN. (Nancy Townley for United Methodist Ministry Matters) Opening Prayer: Gracious God, mend our brokenness and our sadness. Give us spirits of joy and enthusiasm for service to you by serving others. Lift us and place us on your pathways of peace and hope, that with our lives we will witness to your redeeming love. AMEN. (Nancy Townley for United Methodist Ministry Matters) Song – America the Beautiful UMH 696 Passing the Peace of Christ (Luke 10) Jesus sent forth his disciples with a word of peace. We too are bearers of that peace as we greet others in Christ’s name. Please greet your neighbors with the blessing: “The peace of Christ be with you.” (Hans Holznagel – United Methodist Ministry Matters) Scripture Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Sermon - Hospitality "Under God" and the Pledge of Allegiance The words "under God were taken from Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, "…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth…" and were added to the Pledge of Allegiance on June 14, 1954 by a joint resolution of Congress, 243 (Public Law 83-396). (The Pledge was initially adopted by the 79th Congress on December 28, 1945, as Public Law 287.) On June 14, 1954, President Eisenhower signed into law the pledge: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." President Eisenhower gave his support to the Congressional Act, which added the phrase, "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance, saying: "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war." President Eisenhower then stood on the steps of the Capitol Building and recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time with the phrase, "one nation under God." French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!" Alexis de Tocqueville - He was a political scientist, historian, and politician, best-known for "Democracy in America," 4 vol. (1835–40), a perceptive analysis of the political and social system of the United States in the early 19th century. Today, we honor America as a great nation, but we also have to acknowledge that America is a divided nation. It seems that daily, there is an issue that comes forth. And there are varying ways of looking at the issue. And there will never be agreement about the right side of the issue will be. And yet the pledge reminds us that we are one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Our unity is in Christ. So, since on July 4th we celebrate our nation, it is good that on July 3rd – we spend time in church being reminded of the source of our strength- to be in mission with Christ. Our scripture for today comes from Luke. In this story – Jesus is on a mission to unite his nation, and to help people realize the love of God. In order to do that, he realizes that he must get to Jerusalem. But he also realizes that he cant do it alone. By this time he has already recruited 12 disciples, but there are so many people who need to hear the good news. This story is only told in Luke – but he also recruits 70 or some say 72 more deacons to do the work that must be done. Jesus does what Moses did centuries before. When Moses realized that he couldn’t do the work of God by himself, God told him to find 70 men and to commission them for service. The number 70 is significant – it represents completeness, it represents all of the nations of the world. But the number is not all that important, what is important is what Jesus wanted these people to do. He wanted them to spread the love of God, bring peace to the community, accept and give hospitality. As love and peace spread, the mission expands. They are sent our 2 by 2. They return to Jesus to tell him that there were some who listened and some who didn’t. But when they gave peace, it truly made a difference to their faith. During this commissioning service – Jesus hits upon one of our major complaints of the church. The harvest is plenty, the laborers are few. Since its beginning, the church has been one generation from disappearing. We are always complaining that there is not enough of us to do the work, but we forget that Jesus says that there are plenty of people out there who want to come to church if they just knew about it and felt welcome. When I hear this story, I wonder – where did Jesus find 70 people. There are only ---- here today – how do we get to 70? Where did Jesus find 70? The first thing that Jesus says during the commissioning service – appeal to God for the resources that you need. Prayer is the first step in the mission. I will start my illustration of this point with a childhood memory of my own. When I got old enough to use the phone and communicate on my own – my mother would always insist that I call or visit my older relatives. Today I cherish those moments with the older generation before they passed away. But at nine years old – keeping in touch with older relatives was just a chore. As a kid Elizabeth was required to visit a great-great aunt who lived nearby, every Sunday evening. The Rennies would take her a plate of cookies or some other treat. In return Auntie would always exclaim, “Oh, aren’t you just an answer to prayer.” My wife says she didn’t feel like an answer to any prayer. She felt like an impatient kid, still sweaty from playing ball in the yard, and wanting to get back to it as soon as possible. But for her shut-in, ninety year old Auntie, Elizabeth was, in all her imperfection, an answer to prayer. “I now know that her prayer was not for cookies. Her prayer was for family, for fellowship, for the touch of love and compassion to come into her life.” All of us in attendance here today are an answer to an ancient prayer. That prayer is two thousand years old. It was a prayer uttered and answered in today’s gospel lesson. In that ancient prayer Jesus prayed that his Father would send him workers to “help bring in the harvest:” The harvest is plentiful, but he laborers are few, therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest (Luke 10:2) The fact that we are all here today is God’s answer to that prayer Jesus prayed. Do you get it? You are an answer to a Jesus prayer. Our presence is an answer to his prayer. Each of us is this generation’s sent “seventy.” Each of us that the Father has “sent” has been given special powers and projects. But our individual gifts are not the answer to prayer. The gift of building or baking, the gift of music or management, the gift of humor or horticulture, those are not answers to prayer. YOU are the answer. Your presence, your response to the call for “laborers” for the harvest, is the answer. All those who “labor” are, with every word and action, announcing that “the kingdom of God has come near.” That is why whether the prayer is for more rain in a drought-stricken plain, or drying sunshine for a flooded community - we are the answer to prayer. That is why whether the answer to prayer is for a cooling breeze during a scorching heat wave or for a warm shelter on a frozen winter night - we are the answer to prayer. That is why whether the answer to prayer is the community of companionship or for the silence of solitude - we are the answer to prayer. That is why whether the prayer is for a breath of fresh air or for the peace of stillness - we are the answer to prayer. That is why whether the answer to prayer is a purpose and a project or for the fullness of fallow time - we are the answer to prayer. We can always be “the answer to prayer” as long as we realize the real “prayer” we are answering is Jesus’ call for “laborers to bring in the harvest.” We are answers to prayer whenever we are working to reveal to the world that “the kingdom of God has come close.” We are not called to “build” the kingdom of God. As laborers enter the field to gather the crop, we are called to enter into the kingdom that is already here, to receive that kingdom, and to reveal its presence to others. And what is the kingdom? The kingdom is Jesus the Christ. That is the good news for us – all of us sitting here together today are an answer to prayer of those before us. Someone prayed for our church, for our mission, for our faith. And it was God who answered the call to send laborers. It is important for us to keep praying, keep pleading, so that God will provide in the future. We have to keep trusting on God to provide, keep going out, keep spreading peace. Every new day brings a new challenge, but it also brings a new opportunity to spread God’s love. The scripture is called the commissioning of the 70. Commission means to prepare for service, to give a job, to go on a mission. Com – means together and mission means work. Literally Jesus co missioned us. As Jesus set upon his mission, he invited us to work and walk with him. Not so much to go to Jerusalem, but to work and spread peace in our own community. God loves everybody – but there are only --- of us here? Where is everyone else? There are a lot of people in other churches today – but there are a whole lot more in bed, watching tv or doing some other mindless task this morning. They need to know about God’s salvation. Some will listen if we talk to them, others we have to listen to them, or sing a song, or feed them, or teach them a lesson, or bake them a cake, or show that we care. We have to do something to speak to their heart. We have to let them know that God loves them and that there is a place for them to use their gifts here. If we use our gifts, then God will do the rest. The mission of the church is God’s mission, not ours, we are just commissioners. We are commissioners with a lot of power. Jesus said that he saw the devil falling out of heaven because of the work of the 70. He said that we have the power to step on snakes and scorpions for the sake of the mission. We have the power to change the world, to spread peace, and to create a great nation. How will we use that power today? Song – America UMH 697 Prayer for the 4th of July God of all tribes and every nation, on this day of cookouts and fireworks, parades and pool parties, we pause to remember the best of our nation’s aspirations and values .We give thanks for those who made great sacrifices for the sake of the principles of equality and liberty, life and the pursuit of happiness. We lament the many ways and countless times that we have fallen short of the hopes of not only the founders of this nation, but of you, Lord of all. Forgive us for not fulfilling the great aims this country sought to represent to the world. Send your Spirit to help us become the country you call us to be. When we rest and play, eat and celebrate today, do not let us forget those unable to do likewise. Inspire in us a zeal for the equality in which you create all people, a passion to seek abundant life for all people, a relentless drive to provide liberty for all people, and a pursuit of happiness, not only for ourselves and those like us, but for all people. May our country truly be a refuge for the tired, the poor, and those yearning to be free — free from fear, free from poverty, free from oppression, free from exploitation, free from violence, free from war, free from suffering and hopelessness. May our nation truly be a place of justice, tranquility and welfare for all people. Amen. (Jill Duffield – Presbyterian Pastor) Children’s Sermon (Do not print)Hello, children of God! Happy Fourth of July!!! It’s Independence Day! What does that mean, do you think? What are we celebrating on this holiday, anyway? (Allow for responses) Well, when we honor the independence we have as a nation, we usually talk about how awesome it is that America is its own country, not ruled by another country. We have freedom in the United States to make choices. We can choose how we worship, where we attend church, where we go to school, what we want to wear…we have rights to live as free people. Well, what do you think it means to have freedom in Christ? There are a couple of very important things that we celebrate when we discuss our freedom as Christians: For one thing, God gives us choices. He loves us and He wants us to love Him, but He doesn’t force it. He gives us the free will to obey or disobey Him. Yet, it really makes a lot more sense to choose to put our trust in Him, because in Him we have freedom from sin! When we do things that our wrong, it sort of tangles up our lives. God offers to set us free from that, and give us joy instead. You see, Jesus wants to help us and make our lives better. He promises to give us rest and peace, if we will allow Him to. Have you ever carried a backpack? Maybe you have one like this (hold up bag or backpack, if using) for school. This one is pretty heavy. It can be quite tiring to carry this around all day. Now, let’s say I had a teacher who offered to carry it for me. If my teacher gave me the choice of hauling the big backpack, or letting someone else do it, wouldn’t it make sense to choose the lighter load? Why would I insist on doing it all myself, if someone was willing to help? Well, that’s what Jesus does for us. He offers to carry our burdens. We can get tired out because we worry, and we think that we need to do things all on our own. We try to carry our own struggles, or we think that we somehow need to earn our salvation from God. But Jesus gives it freely. There’s nothing we have to do, except trust Him and willingly let go of our cares. He won’t make us do it. We are free to continue carrying the weight of our guilt and sin and shame, to feel fatigued by our stresses. That doesn’t sound like a great way to live, does it? Isn’t it a blessing that we can let Jesus take care of things and bear our burdens for us? He promises rest, and gives us free lives, now and forever. That’s even better than fireworks! Why don’t we say a prayer of thanks to God, and let Him know that we trust Him to carry our burdens? Children’s Prayer Moment Dear God, Thank you for giving us freedom from sin Thank you for carrying our burdens and giving us life Help us to trust you and cast our cares on you Remind us what it means to be free in Christ Thank you for your love We love you, God! In Jesus name, Amen! (By Kristin Shmidt) Stewardship Moment All you need to print is the Prayer of Thanksgiving Moment for Stewardship (inspired by Galatians 6) As we in the northern hemisphere move into full summer, we recognize the growing crops in farm fields and home gardens. Paul’s words echo: “you reap whatever you sow”. We cannot sow corn and expect to reap beans. We cannot sow stinginess and expect to reap generosity. Rather, when we sow generously with our tithes and offerings, we can expect to reap generosity at harvest time! Do you know the story of Hattie May Wiatt? In 1886 she lived near a church in Philadelphia where the Sunday School was very crowded. Despite wanting to attend, she could not find a seat. When the minister saw her, he assured her one day they would have buildings big enough to allow every child to attend who wanted to come. Later, Hattie May Wiatt became sick and died. After the funeral, the girl’s mother told him Hattie May had been saving money to help build a bigger church. She gave him the little purse in which Hattie had saved 57 cents. That minister turned into gift into 57 pennies, told the congregation the story of Hattie May and sold the pennies for a return of about $250. Some of the members of the church formed the Wiatt Mite Society, dedicated to making Hattie May’s 57 cents grow as much as possible. A house nearby was purchased with the $250 that Hattie May’s 57 cents had produced and the rest is history. The first classes of Temple College, later Temple University, were held in that house. It was later sold to allow Temple College to move and the growth of Temple, along with the founding of the Good Samaritan Hospital (Now the Temple University Hospital) have been powerful testimonies to Hattie May Wiatt’s dream. (https://www.truthorfiction.com/hattiemaywiatt/) Eager to sow, and eager to reap, let us share our tithes, gifts and offerings. Prayer of Thanksgiving Generous God, thank you for all you provide for us day by day. Receive these gifts and help us transform them into opportunities for generosity as we share Good News here and beyond our congregation. Inspire us to sow well and eagerly anticipate all we will reap in the Life you offer us. AMEN Invitation to Communion (Do not Print) Many health-focused individuals seek ways to eat wisely. Perhaps you have experienced the positive change in your life when you were able to choose healthy food, good exercise and adequate rest, leading you to sense you had a whole new lease on life. Paul encouraged the believers in Galatia to recognize the power of a new creation which we experience when we focus on, and become avid followers of, Jesus Christ. He eagerly declares his intention to never boast of anything except the cross, by which the world was crucified to him, and he was crucified to the world. As we come to this Table, we find simple elements: a tiny piece of bread and a thimble-full of juice. Yet in these gifts, we find a whole new lease on life! We step into the new creation as we claim our identity as disciples (learners) of Jesus Christ. You are welcome at this Table. May sharing in this feast give you reason to boast: you are a disciple of Jesus! Come! Take your place, and receive the peace of Christ! Communion UMH 13 Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook Do not grow weary in doing what is right, for you will reap a great harvest if you do not give up. Sow in the Spirit and reap the blessings of God. Go in peace. (Hans Holznagel for United Methodist Ministry Matters) Community Time Quarterly Financial Report Benediction Lord, as we go from this place, surround us with your peace and love, that we make take healing and hope to others in your holy name. AMEN. Nancy Townley for United Methodist Ministry Matters) Additional Illustrations Relationship Evangelism There is an old story told about a man by the name of Ali Facid. He had a small farm and a family. One day, the story goes, a Buddhist priest came by and said to Ali Facid: You know, there are valuable stones called diamonds, and if you get one of these you could be a wealthy man." Ali Facid went to bed that night, but the words of the old priest haunted him. He was so obsessed that he felt that he must find him one of these diamonds so that he could become a ruler. He sold his farm, put his family out to neighbors and went out to find his acres of diamonds. Months passed. He was broken in body and spirit. His funds were gone. And at the Bay of Barcelona, he threw himself into the water, never to walk this earth again. Meanwhile, the man who bought his farm bent over one day and picked up a little stone. He laid on the mantle that night not knowing what it was. A few days later the old Buddhist priest came by and saw it and exclaimed: Ali Facid must be back from his search. No, came the response. Then where did that diamond come from? The farmer replied: I was out plowing in the garden and found it there. And friends, did you know that from that very garden, for this is not a legend but a true story, came the jewels and diamonds that today adorn the crown heads of Europe and Russia. In Ali Facid's own back yard there were acres of diamonds and he knew it not. My friends, I know that the [your church's neighborhood] is not like [name two neighborhoods in your area that are experiencing growth] in terms of extensive growth. But, I also know that there are acres of diamonds right here in our own back yard. There are people right here in our area that do not have church families, who are not committed to Christ, and who are waiting to be asked. We don't have to look to other areas of the city. All we have to do is pick up the diamonds that are right beneath us. Staff, www.Sermons.com Evangelism An executive hirer, a "head-hunter" who goes out and hires corporation executives for other firms, once told me, "When I get an executive that I'm trying to hire for someone else, I like to disarm him. I offer him a drink, take my coat off, then my vest, undo my tie, throw up my feet and talk about baseball, football, family, whatever, until he's all relaxed. Then, when I think I've got him relaxed, I lean over, look him square in the eye and say, "What's your purpose in life?" It's amazing how top executives fall apart at that question. "Well, I was interviewing this fellow the other day, had him all disarmed, with my feet up on his desk, talking about football. Then I leaned up and said, 'What's your purpose in life, Bob?' And he said, without blinking an eye, 'To go to heaven and take as many people with me as I can.' For the first time in my career I was speechless." Josh McDowell Jesus and Moses Both Delegated Delegation is more difficult than it sounds. Delegation is especially difficult for talented and extraordinary leaders, and even more difficult for leaders who seem to have a special calling from God. That was the case with Moses some 13 centuries before Christ. After successfully leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt toward freedom in the Promised Land, Moses had problems with a somewhat rebellious and cantankerous group. So he complained to God, "I am not able to carry all these people alone, the burden is too heavy for me" (Numbers 11:14). In fact, Moses was so discouraged he asked God to kill him unless he helped him. So God asked Moses to gather 70 men whom he knew to be natural leaders and officers and to bring them to the tent of meeting, where God manifested his presence. God said, "I will come down and talk with you there; and I will take some of the spirit which is upon you and put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone" (Numbers 11:17). So God's spirit did come upon the 70 and Moses had people to whom he could delegate responsibility and leadership. Thirteen centuries later, Jesus uses the same number -- 70 -- to recruit men to help him spread the word about the new kingdom of God. If Moses and the 70 elders were developing the Old Israel, Jesus and the 70 were about to develop the New Israel. Maurice A. Fetty, The Divine Advocacy, CSS Publishing Company The Ignored Task of the Church: Evangelism "Evangelism" is a beautiful word that has lost its winsomeness [or effectiveness]. Somehow on its journey from the Jerusalem of yesterday to the Jericho of today it has fallen among thieves that have wounded it and stripped it, departed, leaving it half dead. It takes a rather rash Samaritan, therefore, to dare turn aside to set this poor chap upon his beast and take him to an inn and take care of him. This is especially true because a veritable procession of Priests and Levites are passing by, not only refusing to lend a hand, but, we fear, inwardly chuckling at the plight of the poor fellow, and secretly hoping that they are soon to see the last of him. Clovis G. Chappell, Evangelistic Sermons of Clovis G. Chappell, Abingdon 1973, p. 40. 400 Advisers I read the following in a church newsletter: A preacher in the Midwest tells of a woman who called him to speak of her dissatisfaction with the program of the Church. He invited her to come to his office and talk the problem over with him. She accepted the invitation and brought to his attention some of the things that were needed and could be done. He gratefully acknowledged the wisdom of her ideas. He then said, "This is wonderful that you are so concerned and interested in this. You are the very person this Church needs to head up this program. Will you take the job?" Her reply was just as immediate. "Oh, no, I don't want to get involved. With my club work and the hours that I put on some other things, I just don't have the time. But I will be glad to advise you any time." The preacher's answer was classic and well put: "Good, gracious, lady, that's the problem now. I already have 400 advisers. I need someone who will work." Almost everyone in a congregation says that they want it to grow. (Some put a limit on the growth, "I'd like to see us have about 500 members and then stop.") If people want growth, if God promises a good harvest, why aren't more congregations growing? What is stopping the growth God wants to give? Brian Stoffregen, Exegetical Notes "The Paradox of Our Time" The paradox of our time in history is that: We have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years! We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We’ve done larger things, but not better things. We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. Author Unknown "In reading over the Constitutions of all fifty of our states, I discovered something which some of you may not know: there is in all fifty, without exception, an appeal or a prayer to the Almighty God of the universe…. Through all fifty state Constitutions, without exception, there runs this same appeal and reference to God who is the Creator of our liberties and the preserver of our freedoms." - D. James Kennedy It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." - George Washington The Inscription on the Statue of Liberty, written by Emma Lazarus Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door. Sermon Opener - Liberty and Civility - Galatians 5:1-15 The United States of America will be 243 years old on July 4. That’s a long time for a nation to remain free. But, when you look at our history in the context of world history America is just a CHILD among the nations. Egypt, China, Japan, Rome, Greece all make America’s history seem so short. Consider what a brief time we’ve really been here as a nation: When Thomas Jefferson died, Abraham Lincoln was a young man of 17. When Lincoln was assassinated, Woodrow Wilson was a boy of 8. By the time he died Ronald Reagan was a boy of 12. There you have it. The lives of four men can take you all the way back to the beginning of our country, 243 years ago. We are so young. And yet we stand tall among these nations because of the principles on which we were established: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Thus begins the Declaration of Independence, which we celebrate every year. And do not let anyone fool you. Freedom ought and need be celebrated. So many churches and ministers today loathe patriotism in the pulpit. I am not one of those. I celebrate today with you the freedoms which God has blessed this great nations of ours. Now I cannot tell you whether God has blessed us with liberty and therefore we are free or we have wisely and simply built our liberty based on biblical principles. In any case our freedom is from God. Now let me temper our celebrations with a caution: With freedom comes great responsibility. We are not free to live excessive lives. We are not set at liberty to pursue selfish ends. Our independence should not make us infidels. As Paul so eloquently puts it: “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature.” What is true for the church is true for the nation: Liberty demands civility. Freedom requires righteous behavior. On July 4th let’s celebrate Freedom and Civility. 1. First Let’s Celebrate Freedom 2. Second Let’s Celebrate Civility. The young salesman was disappointed about losing a big sale, and as he talked with his sales manager he lamented, "I guess it just proves you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." The manager replied, "Son, take my advice: your job is not to make him drink. Your job is to make him thirsty." So it is with evangelism. Our lives should be so filled with Christ that they create a thirst for the Gospel. Preaching, November-December 1985 A True Reference One of the best letters of reference ever received at the University of Alabama Medical School, according to the Director of Admissions, came from an old mountaineer. The letter read: I’ve known this kid from the day he was born. He played with my kids, helped me with the chores. I don't know if he has sense enough to make it in medical school, but I know he will be the kind of man I'd like to come here to take care of me and my folks. (Don Shelby, Final Evaluations) Isn't that beautiful? And it hints at what I am saying. We can be so at one with Christ that Christ will live and act through us. Maxie Dunnam When Disney World opened in 1971, Walt Disney was not present to witness the grand opening of his greatest dream come true — he had died five years earlier. Dur¬ing the spectacular opening ceremonies, the host of the festivities introduced Walt's widow, Lillian Disney, who would say a few words on stage for the occasion. "Mrs. Disney," the host beamed with reverence, "I wish Walt could have seen this." Lillian stood up, walked over to the podium, adjusted the microphone, and said, "He did." And then she sat down. That simple statement said it all.2

It Feels Good to Be Free of the Cycle of Freedom

Romans 7:15-25 It feels good to free of the cycle of freedom July 4, 1999 Wesley United Methodist Church I borrowed this joke from Fred, so if he tells it again, you have to promise to laugh as if you never heard it. There Rev. Harriette Cross Romans 7:15-25 It feels good to free of the cycle of freedom July 4, 1999 Wesley United Methodist Church I borrowed this joke from Fred, so if he tells it again, you have to promise to laugh as if you never heard it. There was a church somewhere, who had just changed pastors. They wrote a letter to the bishop requesting to have their own pastor back. When the bishop paid them a visit to ask why, they replied: We didn't like the old pastor because all he ever did was preach about fire and brimstone. In every sermon he told us that we were going to hell. The bishop responded that was also the style of the present pastor. The congregation agreed with that, but they told the bishop. yeah, but the first one didn't seem to enjoy it as much. I tell that joke because today I will talk about something that we in mordern mainline churches don't talk about much anymore, and that is sin. Today we can come up with all sorts of psychological, anand social explanations for the problems of hte world, yet we are not will to acknolwdge the presence of good old fashioned sin in the world. Sin and its affects on us as people. the hold that it can have on our lives. The book of romans is full of sin. Romans 7:15-25 is a very familiar passage, spoken by Paul. He starts out by saying that he doesnt understand his own actions.He does things that he knows are wrong, and even though in his heart, he doesnt want to do them, he does them anyway. Commentators ask two important questions about this text, first they wonder if when Paul uses the term I, is he talking about himself or is he jsut making an example of himself. And then also wonder if this is a statement about his struggles before his conversion or after. As we think about this scripture, I think that those are two important questions to keep in mind. To use Paul as an example, you will remember that Paul was trained to be a pharisee. He was trained to keep the jewish law to the letter. And his training taught him that what christians were doing, so he openly helped the persecutre and kill them. Until one day God met him on the road to damascus and asked him why he felt he needed to kill, and told him that he had been chosen for a special purpose, to bring christianity to those who would otherwise not know of hte good news. And as a result of Paul's ministry we have many of Paul's letters to give the new disciples giudance. So manuy would argue that perhaps Paual's sturggle between doing the right thing and the wrong thing was a condition of his past. It was something that he did in his old life, before he was a christian. But let me ask you, how many of you can relate to Paul's struggle? How many of you have areas in your life taht you know need to be improved, yet you do not give them attention. How many of you know what sinful things are, yet they are somehow a part of your life. If I were to ask for a show of hands, I bet that each of you would bre able to raise your hand becuase you can relate to Paul's struggle. Of course I wouldnt have to raise my hand, because I am the pastor, so I don't have those types of struggles. I am always rigth, I always do the right thing. Hell and brimstone is something that we pastors have to talk about, but we never have to experience. Because we are not a part of the human race. It is human to struggle between right anf wrong. There are two natures inside of all people. One is the will to do wrong, the other is the will to do right. Paul's words point out three things. The inadequacy of the knowledge of sin, the inadequacy of the resolution of the human will alone, and the limitation of the huma ability to diagnos. Knowing what is right is not the same thing as doing it, having the will to do right is not always of any help, and being able to diagnose the problem does not mean that you are able to find a cure. The history of humanity has discovered a lot of things, we have come a long way. The wave of the future is information. With technollogy, computers, the internet, encyclopedias, and everything else, the future of our world is wide open. We feel that the more that we know about the world the better we will be. In the midst of all of humanities knowledge about everything else, the one thing that still has no answer, rhyme or reason is the human heart. There is still no way to explain the senseless violence, hatred and greed that comes from the human heart. If we live in a society where Christianity is so prevalent, why are there so many angry people? Why are there starving children in america, when in this country tons and tons of food is thrown away everyday? Why do we have to hear in the headlines where human lives have been wasted over someone else's hurt feelings? It seems that we live in a world of self-fullfillment. the story of sarah is typical of our times. Sarah went to her therapist complainging about how her life had become self indulgent, she did whatever she wanted to do. she drank, she partied, she had lots of fun. But now it had gotten to the point that she all of her fun was becoming self destructive and she didn't like herseld anymore. the thrapist suggested that she stop- that answer shocked her, you mean I don't have to do what I want to do? That is good news for all of us, I mean all of you. There is a way to get free of the cycle of sin and the frustration that it brings. And it has nothing to do with knowledege of sin, or the will to do right or the ability to diagnose the woes of the world. it has everything to do with the life of Jesus Christ. Paul is willing to risk himself by making himself an example, because he wants to tell the world that Jesus Christ is the only person who can deliver humans from the cycle of sin. Morality deals with the knowledge of right and wrong, religion deals with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The will to do the right thing is of no use, but the will to follow Christ is the will all that we need. A dcotor can sometimes diagnose a problem, yet cannot always find the cure. Jesus Christ will not bother to crticize our faults, he is always to cure to whatever may be going on in our lives. The will to do the right thing alone will get you know where. As a matter of fact, selfrightouesness is really an acknowledgment of the presence of sin in our lives. There were a group of friends who went to see a hypnnotise. One of the men participated in the public demonstration. HE was told to go home, take a potted plant from a table, wrap it in a towel, place it on a couch, then bow three times. then he was told to awaken from the spell. Later his friends took him home, secretly wanting to see if he would do what he had been told in the spell. He did what he had been told to the letter. When his friends asked him why he had done it, not knowing that he had been hypntized to do this, he matter of factly explained that he was afraid the plant was cold, so he wrapped it in a towel and placed it on the couch away from the breeeze. then since he was so happy with what he had done, he impulsevely bowed three times. Not only do people do things that they know are wrong, but they find reasons for it, we rationalize our behavior so that we can live with it. People need to make themselves right. In that case, I guess that puts me and other pastors on the same level as all of you and Paul. We are all people. The need to make ourselves right is a sin. Because it is a dependence on our knowledge, will and diagnosis. When we all need to have a dependence on the love of Christ in our lives. the conflict between right and wrong continues in all of us no matter where we might be in our Christian journey. I started out by telling you the two questions of commentators to Paul, when Paul says I, in the text who is he talking about. And does this struggle apply to before he was a Christian or after. I think that we can all relate to what Paul is saying. We know that I applies to all, and when means forever. It is most important to remember that Christ is always the goood news. Because if we trust in Christ, then we will always know the outcome of life. Amen. The book of romans is full of sin. Romans 7:15-25 is a very familiar

Come to Jesus

July 3, 2011
Come to Jesus
Genesis 24: 34-38;42-49;58-67
Matthew 11:16-19;25-30
Third Sunday of Pentecost
Year A



The Fourth of July and Freedom

On this 4th of July weekend, we can all relate to the song “America the Beautiful. We can all agree that we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. America is a very special country, a country where all are free to pursue their happiness and well being.

And even though we all enjoy that freedom, we all know that freedom is not free. We know the cost that many have paid with their lives, and that many others pay for with their obedience to continue to defend our country. We know that America is not perfect, our forefathers and leaders have done their fair share of injustice.


Freedom and discipline
But we also know that freedom is not free, because we cannot go around doing what we want to do. We cant just sit around and expect freedom to hand deliver everything that our heart desires. It takes much hard work and discipline. It takes obedience to our laws and rules. It takes being yoked, as Jesus would say. Jesus says to put on his yoke. The burden is easy and light. We are called to be obedient to his way of life.



Rabbi and the woman
There is an old story of a widow – who had two daughters and a field. Since her daughters were young – she would plow the field herself. But the law said to her that she was not supposed to plow with an ox and an donkey together. When she began to seed the field the law said that she was not to seed with a mix of different seed. When she began to reap and to stack her corn – the law said that she should not be reaping if she still had corn in the field. When she began to thresh – she was commanded to give her offering for the first and second tithe. She accepted the law and gave all that she had. But she sold her field and thought it easier to raise sheep – until the law said that she had to give her first fleece to the temple. She killed the sheep so that she could eat it – until the priest told her that she had to give the shoulder, the cheeks and the stomach of her sheep to the temple for sacrifice. Frustrated – she threw up her hands and asked the priest if there was anything that she could do to be free from the law. I have killed me sheep – and you are still asking for more - you killed the sheep asked the priest? Yes replied the woman. In that case the whole sheep belongs to me – he took her sheep, her lively hood and left her alone with her two daughters. There was absolutely nothing that she could do to escape the yoke of the law. It demanded everything of her. That is not the kind of yoke that Jesus is asking us to bear.

Freedom in Christ
Jesus asks us to take on the burden of freedom. Freedom in Christ. Galations 5:13 says that you were called into freedom. Matthew 11 says Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.
The yoke of Christ is voluntary, easy, and peaceful. The yoke of Christ is faith in Christ. The yoke fulfills all of the promises of God.

The freedom of Rebekah
Genesis 24 is a beautiful story of the faithfulness of Rebekah in fulfilling the promises of God. God promisedAbraham that he would have a family as numerous as the stars. In spite of himself destroying the promise. God works to fulfill the promise and saves Isaac. Now Sarah has died, and Isaac is unmarried. Before he dies he asks his servant to find a wife for Isaac. The servant prays for a successful mission, but it is Rebekah herself who offers herself as a faithful servant, by being willing to go home with the servant. When she sees her fiancé for the first time, she is estatic. And happily accepts the yoke not only of marriage, but of the faith to follow God.

Where are you in the story?
This unique perspective may be the point of this story, not only narratively (after all, the aged and well-off Abraham is not going to do this himself), but also theologically. This next phase of God's promise unfolds through the faithfulness not so much of the one calling the shots (Abraham), but of a trusted servant and kinfolk hundreds of miles away. God's story and promise is embedded in the interactions of all these people across all these cultures. Perhaps most importantly, that promise now depended on the decisions and discernment of the two who had the least power, but had been given the most trust by all involved — the unnamed servant and Rebekah.
Where does your worshiping community find itself in this story?
Where do some people in your worshiping community find themselves in this story?
(Note: These are two different questions which will likely have very different answers!)
Are you or some of your worshiping community Abraham, entrusting the hopes for the continuation of God's promise to another?
Are you or some of them the trusted servant, trusting God and skillfully navigating the negotiations that will help that promise come to fruition?
Are you or some of them Rebekah, suddenly finding yourself invited to be part of a story you didn't know could be opened to you?
Or are you or they Laban, invited to make a bargain that may seem like sending a sibling far away?
Put another way, is your congregation or are some in it releasing control, actively negotiating, being invited to consider a new future, or entering into some sort of exchange in which you may lose one thing to gain another?
Now a third level — where is your community — not just where your building is located, but the networks of relationships you have as individuals and a congregation — in this story?
Given where you are as a congregation, where your people are, and where you discern your community is, how might this story encourage you to understand the kind of role or roles you may have in continuing to embody God's promise, God's kingdom, where you are?
But don't stop there. Remember that the response of every person in this story involved a new commitment.
Abraham had to commit to ensuring the line would continue through his family and to sending a servant with clear boundaries but no micromanaging instructions to take care of that. The servant had to commit to fulfill Abraham's commission and to trust that God would indeed help that happen. Laban had to commit to allowing his sister to join the journey his uncle Abraham had embarked on many years, several cultures, and hundreds of miles ago. And Rebekah had to commit; indeed, she was given final say and freedom to choose — to take up the role of matriarch in an extended branch of the family and with a husband she had never met in a land far away.
How is God at work in our story?
Where we see ourselves, depends on where we see God on our lives. How is God blessing us today? How is God at work in our lives. In the story, we hear from everyone except God. God speaks to know one, God directs no one, there are no miracles present that point to an obvious God.



God at work not in knowledge but in faith
And yet God’s promises are fulfilled, just in the actions of those who are powerless over their fate, yet obedient and faithful to what they are supposed to do in life.
Jesus thanks God that God has hidden the promises of God from the wise and shown them to infants. Those who have the innocent faith of a child.

The faith of a farmer
A farmer was hard at work on his farm, and he did not realize that it was time for the Sabbath. Nightime Saturday came upon him, and he could not go home. The law forbid him from walking that far on the Sabbath. He had to spend the night in the field. He missed his home that night, he missed his family. But most of all he missed his scriptures. Without them he did not know how to pray to honor God. The next day, he told his rabbi what happened. The rabbi told him that he did not need scripture in order to praise the glory of God, to tell God that God was the head of his life. The farmer confessed that he did not think that far in his faith. He was not that wise. But he did pray the letters of the alphabet – a, b,c. Knowing that if he said the letters, then God would put the words together to hear what needed to be said. The rabbi could do nothing but praise the simplicity of his faith. Freedom is not free….but faithfulness is always rewarded and understood by God.

The invitation of Christ
All that God is to us is revealed in the lessons that Christ taught us. Jesus invites us to come. On this day and in the days to come. Take on the yoke of Christ and find rest, peace, and a freedom that is fulfilled forever. Real freedom is a promise of God to the faithful. Amen.