"I'm a Christian"

So last week, I challenged people: the next time someone asks you to tell a little about yourself, begin with "I'm a Christian."  Then see what happens.  But I don't mean in a defensive or egotistical manner, but a humble one, since we are Christians because we need Jesus.  This is our identity, first and foremost, yet we often keep our faith private or just for Sundays.  If you do this, comment here.  I would be interested in hearing what happens.

Chilean Miners emerge from their captivity

I have been watching the unfolding of events for the rescue of the Chilean miners these past few weeks.  As I imagine what it must be like for them to be buried alive, in darkness, with no certainty of being rescued, it really gets to me.  But news of the Plan B drill working and the arrival of the rescue cage was exciting!  Then these last 48 hours as the miners emerged one by one from their darkness, tears were in my eyes. 

What a powerful analogy for our situation as humans and what Christ did for us.  Throughout the gospel of John, darkness represents separation from God while Jesus, as the light, is our way to be reconciled with God.  Jesus came into our world in order to rescue us, linerated us, free us from that which keeps us from true and abundant life.  Wow!

What kind of book is this?

I'm getting ready to write my sermon for Sunday October 3, and I could use a little help.  In chapter 20, John (or whoever actually wrote this book) talks about why the Gospel was written.  So what do you think?  What kind of book is it?  Is it science?  A textbook?  History?  A fairy tale?  Why do we still read it 2,000 years after it was written?  What do you think?

What are you looking for?

When John's disciples start following Jesus, Jesus turns and asks them, "What are you looking for."  Each week, many people attend church.  What I am wondering is the same thing...what are you looking for?  From church?  From God?  From other Christians?

Since the beginning

The opening verses of John are some of my favorite of all scriptures.  This poetic telling of the beginning of time, with the Word and the Word being with God and the Word being God....wow!  Jesus always has been and always will be the Word and our Light.  This year, on Christmas, sit your family down and read these opening verses and spend some time talking about what it means for your life and faith.

"Who are you?"

"Who are you?"  That was the question the priests and Levites asked when they went to see John the Baptist in the wilderness (only members of the Jewish tribe descended from Levi could be priests).  That was the question asked by those who were sent by the Pharisees.  The priests and Levites were concerned that John might be the Messiah, the return of the prophet Elijah or even a prophet like Moses.  Why were they concerned?  Because they were in power.  They were in control of official Judaism and they wondered whether John might pose a threat to them.  The Pharisees were probably not concerned or worried.  Instead, they were likely hopeful that John was the Messiah, because they assumed that when the Messiah came he (yes, he... for the Messiah to have been a woman would have been a preposterous thing) would be a lot like them.

To the priests and Levites John said, "No, I am not the Messiah, Elijah or Moses."  But that did not allay their concerns, as John certainly seemed not to fear them.  And when the representatives of the Pharisees asked why John was baptizing they were told that John was merely the forerunner of the one whom they would not recognize.  So this is no cozy, feel-good beginning to Jesus' story in John.  It alerts us immediately as to who the antagonists are likely to be: the religious authorities and the very devout.  How would they respond to Jesus?

Welcome to our Blog!

Throughout the year Pastor Karn and I will be preaching on the Gospel According to St. John.  We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity for us to learn from each other as we wade into this story of Jesus and discover what it means for the world.  Please post your responses to the sermons and the ideas that God gives you as you spend your time with John.  We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Peace,
Pastor Steve