“Carry Me”
Brian Reid – NTUBC – September 23, 2007
Some of my favorite albums growing as a teenage were…
One of my favorite bands of all-time, which I had the opportunity to see in concert a few years ago (and, after all this time, they still rocked the house), is…
Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show
I can remember, laying back, eyes closed, music turned waaaayyy up; and grooving to the tunes. Funny, how our taste in music changes, and some of the songs I used to listen to, now, make me cringe.
I firmly believe, that when we become a Christian, that certain songs we used to like, somehow are transformed – through us and because of us. The words of the song may not change, but the meanings behind them change for us.
On this Dr. Hook album, there are two songs that I can really relate to, and I listened to many, many times. These songs seem to tell of a transformation.
One song tells of an old life - and the struggles thereof; and the other song, tells about a new life – and the struggles thereof.
The first song is entitled; “Freaking at the Freaker’s Ball.”
Let me share a few of the lyrics with you;
Well there's gonna be a freakers ball; Tonight at the freakers hall; And you know, you're invited one and all.
Come on babies grease your lips; Grab your hats and swing your hips; Don't forget to bring your whips; We're going to the freakers ball.
Blow your whistle and bang your gong; Roll up something to take along; It feels so good it must be wrong; We're freakin at the freakers ball.
Everybody's fallin' in batches; I'm gonna itch me, where it scratches; Freaking at the freakers ball.
This song tells us, what our past life, might have been like. It talks about the strange and unusual things people sometimes do; all in the name of survival – and to fit in. It remind us of the mistakes we made, the attitudes we once had, and the sins we have committed (or continue to commit).
The second song is entitled; “Carry Me, Carrie”
(I’m going to leave the words on the overhead)
Second Street and Broadway; Sitting in a doorway; Head, held, in his hands; Looked to all the world, like he was praying.
Foot wrapped, in an old rag; Bottle in a brown bag; I saw him, try to stand;
Then, I heard the words, that he was saying (ya).
He said, Come on, Carrie; Carry me, a little farther; Come on, Carrie; Carry me one more mile; I don’t know, where it’s leading to; But I know, I can make it, if I lean on you, so; Come on Carrie; Carry me a little; I carried you, now carry me a little; Come on, Carrie; Carry me, a little while; Carry me.
Well he struggled to his feet; And staggered down the street, to the window, of a five and dime; He stood, and laughed, a while, at his reflection; Then I heard him shout, something about a mountain; He could surely climb; If she was only there to point, the right direction; But she ain’t, no! She ain’t, no!
He said, Come on, Carrie; Carry me, a little farther; Come on, Carrie; Carry me one more mile; I don’t know, where it’s leading to; But I know, I can make it, if I lean on you, so; Come on Carrie; Carry me a little; I carried you, now carry me a little; Come on, Carrie; Carry me, a little while; Carry me.
This song tells of where we are at. It is a time and place within our new life, and, there are still struggles. One day it’s good and one day it’s bad. We try and try, but then we fail and fall.
For the man in the song, the girl, Carrie, was all he ever needed to make it through life. For this man, the absence of Carrie has had a detrimental effect on his ability to cope with life; and to live a life worth living.
Carrie tells of the place we’d like to journey to; “something about a mountain, we could surely climb.” But this song (also) tells us of the struggles, the uncertainties and the failures. Then, comes the self-doubt, skepticism, faltering, and hesitation; “if she was only there, to point the right direction.”
But, all these burdens and obstacles (that we face), the pain and suffering we go through - come from…within.
The isolation is self-imposed.
The pain is self-inflected.
Then, as if we weren’t done beating ourselves up; society kicks in its judgmental attitude.
Some people, many people, feel that when you become a Christian, you automatically become unable to sin, or don’t have those thoughts you once had. A vast majority of people, think that once you accept Christ as Lord and Savior, are baptized, and become a Christian, that you can no longer do anything wrong.
Let me remind you of this; We are humans, we are weak, and we make mistakes.
Then, when you do make a mistake, they simply say you weren’t a Christian in the first place. “If he was a real Christian, he would not have sinned.”
Well, I am here, today, to say (and hopeful show evidence) that that is not the case.
Many, many people believe that it takes, but 1 indiscretion, to erase or remove a lifetime of work, dedication and commitment. That is not so; that is absolutely untrue.
The Lord knew your faults – and accepted you, even before you accepted Christ as your savior. The Lord knows all your faults, but loves you through His mercy and grace. He knows your faults, but He also knows what you are capable of –which is goodness.
All of us, are struggling sinners and “works in progress;” for God is not finished with us yet. That’s what this single, highlighted sentence is telling us.
Point, fact #1; God has begun His good work in you.
Point, fact #2; God will continue His work, until the day He is finished.
Point, fact #3; That work will be finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
These are not merely idle Bible promises, but absolute certainties – from God; for this passage says it as plain and as simple as it can be said.
“And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.”
So, those days, when things don’t go your way, and your self-control is lacking and you slip back to a previous habit or blunder, it doesn’t mean you are not saved or not a Christian; you are simply like the rest of us – weak and struggling with sin.
But, what makes the difference and saves us, is our ability to turn to God in confession, admitting those sins, asking for forgiveness, and (then) moving forward – knowing God is not finished with us yet.
We will make mistakes, but we cannot dwell on them, or get stuck in them; we must move forward – learning from those mistakes.
For God has many things planned for us, and we must look for the incidences whereby God is teaching us - still. And as we learn more, accept more, and serve Him more; grace grows within us, and we mature as Christians.
“And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord, as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image, from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”
The God, that began a good work within us, is the same God, who continues it throughout our lifetime, and is the very same God, who will finish it, when we meet Christ face-to-face.
God’s work for us, began, when Christ died on the cross in our place. His work within us, began, when we first believed.
And, now, that the Holy Spirit lives in us all, it is enabling us to be more Christ-like. This is the process of Spiritual Growth and Christian Maturity. But, it takes time for this to happen, it will not happen over night; and we will make mistakes, and we will back-slide – but God will continue His good work in us, until, it is finished on the Day of Christ.
So, we shouldn’t get all upset, and beat ourselves up, or give-up, we should simply admit our shortcomings, and continue to work on them, as God will give us the time we need.
The chorus of this song speaks volumes, and goes something like;
Come on, Carrie,
Carry me one more mile
I don’t know, where it’s leading to
But I know, I can make it, if I lean on you, so
Come on, Carrie
Carry me a little while
As we journey this earth, and live our lives, there will be times when we will need to be carried – one more mile. There’s no shame in that, nor is there anything to be embarrassed about. Jesus, often, went to God in prayer; seeking guidance and strength. And you are allowed to go to God, and say; “Carry me, one more mile.”
As the song says, sometimes “we don’t know where it’s leading to.” That’s true; we get confused and become uncertain. But if we are being lead by Christ, we don’t have to know where the Lord will take us; we simply can trust in Him, and be confident of His guidance.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you.”
The next part of the song, we should be able to draw a prayer from, that goes something like; “But I know, I can make it, if I lean on you, so; Come on, Lord, Carry me, just a little while.”
And this man, in this song, continues to live that changed life, and he continues to struggle.
Then I heard him shout, something about a mountain
He could surely climb
But, he still maintains a dependency upon her. He feels he is nothing, and can do nothing, without her; without Carrie.
If she was only there, to point, the right direction
Then, this lonely and lost man, has an epiphany, a realization, a sudden intuitive leap of understanding, a moment of absolute, clarity.
If she was only there, to point, the right direction
But she ain’t, no! She ain’t, no!
He finally realizes, that he has to travel his journey, walk his walk, and live his life - without her; because ‘she ain’t there to point the right direction.’ (She ain’t, no! she ain’t!)
He finally realizes, that he cannot depend on her – any more; but he doesn’t have to do it alone, either.
And, you don’t have to face those struggles of life alone; for you have Christ. You don’t have to live with the guilt and pain of sinning; for you have Christ.
And, I have an epiphany for you, it is a little know secret, that comes by way of an ordinary, but striking occurrence. It comes through this passage, that we looked at, today; and I am here to tell you; that you can’t be 100% perfect, all the time; and you can’t become sinless over-night.
“Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be, has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when He is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see Him as He is. And all who have this hope in Him, purify themselves, just as He is pure.”
God will continue the good work he began in you, and finish, what He has started; which will be completed on the day Christ returns.
So, relax, live your life, try to be Christ-like in everything you do. You don’t have to worry and fret, that you are NOT perfect, yet (for we will continue to sin); but God is not finished with us; and he will continue to mold and make us, and to perfect us, until He is finished and Christ comes.
And if you slip, Yes, it is still a sin, but you can have forgiveness from those sins – as you continue to grow and mature, as a Christian.
And, (if you need to), allow God to…
“Carry You, Just One More Mile.”
Let’s pray;
Sunday, September 23, 2007
September 16, “How Can I Help You?”
“How Can I Help You?”
Brian Reid, NTUBC, September 16, 2007
This week I have felt very disconnected from the community, and the congregation, and have felt quite lonely. Sometimes this happens to Pastors. After thinking about that for while, I realized that (sometimes) many of you, may feel the same way; disconnected from family, friends, and Christ.
Then, to make matters worse, we hide in our houses, as Satan fills our hearts and minds with fears, doubts and misconceptions.
By Thursday evening (of this week), today’s service was 99% completed. But, when I woke up Friday morning, God laid upon my heart, another sermon, based on how I was feeling (this week), and based on the fact that I still (really) don’t know a lot of you - and you certainly don't know me.
Then, wrapped up into all of that, as a Pastor, you many not know what I can do for you.
So, this morning, I want to answer a question that many of you may have;
What can the Pastor do for me?
First & foremost, he, your Pastor, is an intermediary, a go-between, an agent for God; and he can Pray for you.
He can pray for you;
in times of struggles, pain and sickness
for renewed health and welfare
when your going on holidays and trips
for the resolution of stressful situations - your going through
before important meetings
doctor appointments and when your seeing specialists
He can Pray for your mink ranches
Sales, meetings, and the continuation of the market
before, during, and after belting season
at breeding time
in the heat of the summer, and in the dead of winter, that not
many mink will die
He can Pray for cooperation among the ranchers & workers,
that everyone pulls their own weight,
does their fair share.
He can…
Sit with you in times of loneliness and sorrow
feel your pain
Listen to your concerns and fears of everyday life, for he offers the ministry of presence.
He is someone who is not afraid of Satan, the devil, or his darkness. But, someone who understand it, knows of its power, respects the fact, that evil is all around us, BUT, he has the faith of a mustard seed, and has a firm foundation of belief - based on the authority of the scriptures.
He can share in your joys and your sorrows.
You can tell your pastor things, you can't tell anyone else. He will not judge you, or condemn you. He will most likely, tell you the truth, in a loving, helpful manner - which could sting at first.
But, be reassured, he does understand the frailty of the human condition.
You must know, he has also sinned (and fallen short of the glory of God), and he knows and understands what redemption is, and only wants the very best for you, Also, he will do everything in his power, to restore you, to a place of acceptance and honor - back among the people of God.
He reminds you that, ‘yes, we all make mistakes,’ but we don't have to dwell (forever) in the house of pain, guilt and punishment.
He will stand against injustice, and walk beside those who walk alone. He is an earthly representation of God, a man of Christ - but also is a fallen, and recovering, sinner, just like everyone else.
He is someone you can complain to, when God's will in your life seems unfair. He is also someone you can tell of your blessings - knowing God hears all.
He is a marriage counsellor, and has felt the surface of the rough road of matrimony; and has also worked through painful and hurtful situations, to make his marriage better and stronger. And he and his wife seek to be married for a long time.
He wants you to ask him the tough questions of marriage (and life), and ask how God can bless a relationship. He will strive to show and tell you, how a couple can grow closer to each other - by growing closer to God.
He can help you understand the scriptures, and share with you the different meanings hidden within certain passages. He will read the Bible to you, and with you, and help you listen for the "Sacred Rhythms" found in The Word.
You can ask any annoying, or bothersome question, you have of things written in the Good Book, that seem to contradict one another. You and him, can discover these answers together.
He will sit beside your bed, in the late evening of life, sing the praises of your existence, lived in Christ, and help, lay you, peacefully, in your final resting place.
He will be there for your family, as they grieve, morn, and express anger towards God for taking their loved one away. He understands the hurt, and sting of death, and will reassure you, that God does have a plan for you, God knows your pain; and will carry you over the hard road.
You can tell, your most secret-secrets to him. You can confess your worst habits, or most disgusting sins, thoughts and feelings; and know he will help you find solace, comfort, relief; as well as discover compassion and peace from God - and yourself.
He is a Man of God, but also a Child of God - like you. You can turn to him for encouragement, but he needs it, also.
There will be days when you will be so confused, bewildered, baffled and disoriented, that you won’t know which way to turn. Your Pastor, has those days as well.
Your pastor seeks to get to know each person in the community. He wants to understand the real you, the person you really are.
Not the “presented self” at church, but the humble and vulnerable person you are - safe at home.
He will listen to your hopes, dreams and fears.
He knows the importance of family, and doesn't care whether your house is spotless or not, and doesn't mind the kids crawling all over him.
He enjoys home cooked meals, likes chocolate, and steaming hot tea (with milk and sugar); and offers the same to you. He lives in a house that is not his, but it is his home; and volunteers that home, as a sanctuary - for anyone; if even just for 5 minutes.
He can sit and talk with you for hours, and he can sit, silently, holding your heart, in his hands.
He will hug you (when you're down - so low), he will shake your hand (in congratulations), and hold that nail as you hit it with the hammer.
He can also shout in outrage (with you) at high gas prices, the dumb and stupefied things, that our idiot, government officials do.
He can help you figure out, who is to blame, but will encourage you, to not pass judgement on anyone; and ask you to look for the common ground. He knows that is hard to do; and he himself (also) struggles in this area.
He doesn't pretend to know everything about the community he lives in; and he will never try and tell you how to run your mink ranch, how to sing, or chastise you for missing a few Sundays. He will simply pray for you.
Your pastor enjoys getting colored pictures from the kids, and invites you to come to the office, and see the “wall of fame.”
He has walked through-out this church, when no one is around, and has marveled at the work that is done here. He seeks to bring many to Christ (with your help), loves to look out, and see all your smiling faces.
But, he invites you to come to the sanctuary, alone, and listen for the quietness of Christ.
He knows that God has plans for each of you, and encourages you, to follow the will of God in your life.
Your pastor has a spouse, and a daughter, so he knows how you feel about spending time away from yours. He, also, dreads the phone calls in the middle of the night (which bring bad news), but WANTS you to call, if you need him, for you are all like children to him.
You can call him with your prayer concerns, and he will pray for you, and with you. He will visit those who need a listening ear, and those lonely souls. He wants to get to know you, all, personally.
He longs to be part of this community, and (in love), offers himself as a servant.
He wants to help you connect with God, accept Christ, and live for eternity.
Hello, my name is Brian Reid; and I am your Pastor.
“How can I help you?”
Let’s pray;
Brian Reid, NTUBC, September 16, 2007
This week I have felt very disconnected from the community, and the congregation, and have felt quite lonely. Sometimes this happens to Pastors. After thinking about that for while, I realized that (sometimes) many of you, may feel the same way; disconnected from family, friends, and Christ.
Then, to make matters worse, we hide in our houses, as Satan fills our hearts and minds with fears, doubts and misconceptions.
By Thursday evening (of this week), today’s service was 99% completed. But, when I woke up Friday morning, God laid upon my heart, another sermon, based on how I was feeling (this week), and based on the fact that I still (really) don’t know a lot of you - and you certainly don't know me.
Then, wrapped up into all of that, as a Pastor, you many not know what I can do for you.
So, this morning, I want to answer a question that many of you may have;
What can the Pastor do for me?
First & foremost, he, your Pastor, is an intermediary, a go-between, an agent for God; and he can Pray for you.
He can pray for you;
in times of struggles, pain and sickness
for renewed health and welfare
when your going on holidays and trips
for the resolution of stressful situations - your going through
before important meetings
doctor appointments and when your seeing specialists
He can Pray for your mink ranches
Sales, meetings, and the continuation of the market
before, during, and after belting season
at breeding time
in the heat of the summer, and in the dead of winter, that not
many mink will die
He can Pray for cooperation among the ranchers & workers,
that everyone pulls their own weight,
does their fair share.
He can…
Sit with you in times of loneliness and sorrow
feel your pain
Listen to your concerns and fears of everyday life, for he offers the ministry of presence.
He is someone who is not afraid of Satan, the devil, or his darkness. But, someone who understand it, knows of its power, respects the fact, that evil is all around us, BUT, he has the faith of a mustard seed, and has a firm foundation of belief - based on the authority of the scriptures.
He can share in your joys and your sorrows.
You can tell your pastor things, you can't tell anyone else. He will not judge you, or condemn you. He will most likely, tell you the truth, in a loving, helpful manner - which could sting at first.
But, be reassured, he does understand the frailty of the human condition.
You must know, he has also sinned (and fallen short of the glory of God), and he knows and understands what redemption is, and only wants the very best for you, Also, he will do everything in his power, to restore you, to a place of acceptance and honor - back among the people of God.
He reminds you that, ‘yes, we all make mistakes,’ but we don't have to dwell (forever) in the house of pain, guilt and punishment.
He will stand against injustice, and walk beside those who walk alone. He is an earthly representation of God, a man of Christ - but also is a fallen, and recovering, sinner, just like everyone else.
He is someone you can complain to, when God's will in your life seems unfair. He is also someone you can tell of your blessings - knowing God hears all.
He is a marriage counsellor, and has felt the surface of the rough road of matrimony; and has also worked through painful and hurtful situations, to make his marriage better and stronger. And he and his wife seek to be married for a long time.
He wants you to ask him the tough questions of marriage (and life), and ask how God can bless a relationship. He will strive to show and tell you, how a couple can grow closer to each other - by growing closer to God.
He can help you understand the scriptures, and share with you the different meanings hidden within certain passages. He will read the Bible to you, and with you, and help you listen for the "Sacred Rhythms" found in The Word.
You can ask any annoying, or bothersome question, you have of things written in the Good Book, that seem to contradict one another. You and him, can discover these answers together.
He will sit beside your bed, in the late evening of life, sing the praises of your existence, lived in Christ, and help, lay you, peacefully, in your final resting place.
He will be there for your family, as they grieve, morn, and express anger towards God for taking their loved one away. He understands the hurt, and sting of death, and will reassure you, that God does have a plan for you, God knows your pain; and will carry you over the hard road.
You can tell, your most secret-secrets to him. You can confess your worst habits, or most disgusting sins, thoughts and feelings; and know he will help you find solace, comfort, relief; as well as discover compassion and peace from God - and yourself.
He is a Man of God, but also a Child of God - like you. You can turn to him for encouragement, but he needs it, also.
There will be days when you will be so confused, bewildered, baffled and disoriented, that you won’t know which way to turn. Your Pastor, has those days as well.
Your pastor seeks to get to know each person in the community. He wants to understand the real you, the person you really are.
Not the “presented self” at church, but the humble and vulnerable person you are - safe at home.
He will listen to your hopes, dreams and fears.
He knows the importance of family, and doesn't care whether your house is spotless or not, and doesn't mind the kids crawling all over him.
He enjoys home cooked meals, likes chocolate, and steaming hot tea (with milk and sugar); and offers the same to you. He lives in a house that is not his, but it is his home; and volunteers that home, as a sanctuary - for anyone; if even just for 5 minutes.
He can sit and talk with you for hours, and he can sit, silently, holding your heart, in his hands.
He will hug you (when you're down - so low), he will shake your hand (in congratulations), and hold that nail as you hit it with the hammer.
He can also shout in outrage (with you) at high gas prices, the dumb and stupefied things, that our idiot, government officials do.
He can help you figure out, who is to blame, but will encourage you, to not pass judgement on anyone; and ask you to look for the common ground. He knows that is hard to do; and he himself (also) struggles in this area.
He doesn't pretend to know everything about the community he lives in; and he will never try and tell you how to run your mink ranch, how to sing, or chastise you for missing a few Sundays. He will simply pray for you.
Your pastor enjoys getting colored pictures from the kids, and invites you to come to the office, and see the “wall of fame.”
He has walked through-out this church, when no one is around, and has marveled at the work that is done here. He seeks to bring many to Christ (with your help), loves to look out, and see all your smiling faces.
But, he invites you to come to the sanctuary, alone, and listen for the quietness of Christ.
He knows that God has plans for each of you, and encourages you, to follow the will of God in your life.
Your pastor has a spouse, and a daughter, so he knows how you feel about spending time away from yours. He, also, dreads the phone calls in the middle of the night (which bring bad news), but WANTS you to call, if you need him, for you are all like children to him.
You can call him with your prayer concerns, and he will pray for you, and with you. He will visit those who need a listening ear, and those lonely souls. He wants to get to know you, all, personally.
He longs to be part of this community, and (in love), offers himself as a servant.
He wants to help you connect with God, accept Christ, and live for eternity.
Hello, my name is Brian Reid; and I am your Pastor.
“How can I help you?”
Let’s pray;
September 9, “Great Expectations”
“Great Expectations”
Brian Reid, September 9, NTUBC
A few weeks ago, myself and few guys from this very church, went on an adventure. Corey & Craig Mullen, Stanley Britain and myself, ventured out into the Annapolis Basin, off the coast of Digby – landing on Bear Island.
Originally, the plan was for Corey and I, to scout-out the island, as a possible place for an extreme, over-night camping trip; for some of our older youth. But, it was when we needed a boat to make the crossing, that Stanley offered his watercraft to us. Then, as the news and plans developed, Craig joined the group.
So, the four of us, rallied around one another, and set-out on Stanley’s small, rubber raft; powered only by an even smaller, electric motor. As things unfolded, we used one battery-powerpack on the way over, and one on the way back.
Thank God, that Stanley brought 3 wooden orrs with him, to paddle with, or we might have drifted out the Digby Gut.
On that Tuesday evening, filled with anticipation, excitement, and marvel – we commenced our voyage. We couldn’t wait to get there and start exploring; but shortly thereafter, our first hurdle presented itself. The first battery died (3/4 of the way over), so we began to paddle.
Ya’ know that island is further off-shore then you might think.
Undaunted, with hopes of finding something spectacular, we continued. During our crossing, which should have been filled with caution, we were simply, impatient.
The foresight of apprehension, was taken over by the sheer, thrill, of it all. We were getting a bang out of it, we were getting a kick out of our adventure; it simply was a hoot!
Full of (that) excitement, adventure and great expectations, we approached the Island – only to quickly have our hopes dashed by the sheer unpleasantness of our surroundings.
The shoreline was rugged and rocky, on-land, no green-grass – just shrubs that sometimes were as high as our waists. The trees were barren; half dead and half full of disease.
Thousands upon thousands of sea-gulls called this Island home, and had no intentions of giving that up. They screamed at our presence, flew, angrily, over-head, and used us as target practice.
Strange-looking, ugly, black, sea-ducks watched, perched from the trees; and their sinister appearance, suggested; this Island was no playground.
We tried to go inland, but could not negotiate the brush, the hilly ground, or the hidden dangers that we were totally, unaware of. So, we combed the shore, and occasionally would venture to higher ground; only to find large amounts of descending residue - and dead and dying creatures everywhere.
We walked around the entire island, combing the rocks, and what little sand that was sporadically placed by the raging tides of ocean inlet. We could look and see, in the far-off distance, the coast of the mainland; with all its civilization. But, here on this Island, death and isolation was all around us; a most in-hospitable place for 4 amateur scouts.
And, as we walked the perimeter of this barren, desolate island, devoid of any (passed or present) human life, we soon realized our time, and welcome, were overstayed. Now, we had to get off this lump of rock and soil, and traverse that opposing and burdensome body of water; with what little resources we had.
1 partly-used, battery-powerpack,
2 outcomes, available to us,
3 wooden paddles,
4 worn and tired souls.
Little did my comrades know, I had not stopped, silently, praying since we began our journey.
Thanks to God, we had crossed this barren sea, scouted the terrain and wildlife (of that lost and forgotten island), and returned safely. For God was with us, watched over us, and showed mercy upon us.
We, four, modern-day, Christian explorers, had echoed a similar story; from the bible. These people, like us, were first filled with great expectations, hope and wonder; but only to have those feelings crushed.
We weren’t prepared for the journey we had undertaken, for the many hurtles and obstacles that faced us, and we weren’t prepared or for what we found (in that distant land); and neither, neither were the Israelites.
Way back in Genesis 12.1;
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household, to the land I will show you.
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse; and all peoples on earth will blessed through you.’”
Question;
The Lord promises many blessings, if only Abram would only…
…leave everything he knew behind and go to the place that would be shown to him?
Is that what God wanted?
Well, yes and no.
That was the request, but it’s not what God meant!
In Exodus 6:6-8, the Lord gives Moses this message, to deliver;
“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will free you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with mighty power and great acts of judgment. I will make you my own special people, and I will be your God. And you will know that I am the Lord your God, who has rescued you from your slavery in Egypt. I will bring you into that land, I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It will be your very own property. I am the Lord!’”
Here the Lord promised, that He would free the enslaved people, grant a great and powerful judgment against their captures, and make the Israelites His own special people.
The Lord, again, made some special promises, if only the Israelites would…
Follow Him?
Go to this far off land?
Later, in Exodus 33:1-3, we hear a little about what God is actually promising and giving to the Israelites.
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Now that you have brought these people out of Egypt, lead them to the land I solemnly promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them long ago that I would give this land to their descendants.
And I will send an angel before you, to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Theirs, is a land flowing with milk and honey.’”
This promise (to the Israelites), was a continuation and a conclusion to the promise made much earlier to Abram. The Lord foretold of a land, flowing with milk and honey; and a land free from all outside influences of the surrounding heathens.
As we remember the adventure Corey, Craig, Stanley and I had, listen to these words;
“The Lord, now said to Moses, ‘Send men to explore the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to Israel.’”
The Israelites were freed from slavery – as promised; they were led to the land of milk and honey – as promised; and finally, they stood perched to enter that land.
But they were unsure of what laid beyond the Jordan River.
We, 4-scouts, also were unsure of what lay on Bear Island. The Israelites knew nothing of this land that was promised to them. We knew nothing of Bear Island; only the stories from those, who hadn’t even been there.
The Israelites traveled and hoped; but soon complaints and disobedience spread like wild-fire through-out the camp. But, regardless, they had arrived safely, to the land, which was promised.
The Lord heard their disapproval and laments, and told Moses to send out scouts – in order to reassure the Israelite people. And, one of each of the 12 ancestral tribes were chosen, and discharged.
Much like the group that explored Bear Island, and, then came back with a bold and unbelievable tale; these scouts, spent 40 days exploring and investigating Canaan;
…a land flowing with milk and honey, the people living there were strong and powerful, their cities well-fortified; and even giants were seen.
After receiving this frightening report, the people rebel;
Numbers 14:
“Then all the people began weeping loudly, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of complaint against Moses and Aaron.
Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt!
Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites, from above the Tabernacle.
And the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will these people reject me? Will they ever believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?’”
After everything that God promised and delivered, the Israelites still doubted.
In sorrow and anger, the Lord said to Moses ‘How long will these people reject me?’”
I give you no happy ending, today. I give you no conclusion or recommendations.
The Israelites were enslaved, freed by God through Moses; they ere offered a land flowing with milk and honey; and all they did was complain and resist.
All of you have been offered ‘a land that flows with milk and honey.’ All of you have been promised eternal life through Jesus. The next step is yours.
Will you look and only see a barren and unforgiving land, such as that of Bear Island; or will you trust in God, and accept the life He has offered; in the land of milk and honey - eternally yours?
And the Lord said to Moses ‘How long will these people reject me?’”
Let us pray.
Brian Reid, September 9, NTUBC
A few weeks ago, myself and few guys from this very church, went on an adventure. Corey & Craig Mullen, Stanley Britain and myself, ventured out into the Annapolis Basin, off the coast of Digby – landing on Bear Island.
Originally, the plan was for Corey and I, to scout-out the island, as a possible place for an extreme, over-night camping trip; for some of our older youth. But, it was when we needed a boat to make the crossing, that Stanley offered his watercraft to us. Then, as the news and plans developed, Craig joined the group.
So, the four of us, rallied around one another, and set-out on Stanley’s small, rubber raft; powered only by an even smaller, electric motor. As things unfolded, we used one battery-powerpack on the way over, and one on the way back.
Thank God, that Stanley brought 3 wooden orrs with him, to paddle with, or we might have drifted out the Digby Gut.
On that Tuesday evening, filled with anticipation, excitement, and marvel – we commenced our voyage. We couldn’t wait to get there and start exploring; but shortly thereafter, our first hurdle presented itself. The first battery died (3/4 of the way over), so we began to paddle.
Ya’ know that island is further off-shore then you might think.
Undaunted, with hopes of finding something spectacular, we continued. During our crossing, which should have been filled with caution, we were simply, impatient.
The foresight of apprehension, was taken over by the sheer, thrill, of it all. We were getting a bang out of it, we were getting a kick out of our adventure; it simply was a hoot!
Full of (that) excitement, adventure and great expectations, we approached the Island – only to quickly have our hopes dashed by the sheer unpleasantness of our surroundings.
The shoreline was rugged and rocky, on-land, no green-grass – just shrubs that sometimes were as high as our waists. The trees were barren; half dead and half full of disease.
Thousands upon thousands of sea-gulls called this Island home, and had no intentions of giving that up. They screamed at our presence, flew, angrily, over-head, and used us as target practice.
Strange-looking, ugly, black, sea-ducks watched, perched from the trees; and their sinister appearance, suggested; this Island was no playground.
We tried to go inland, but could not negotiate the brush, the hilly ground, or the hidden dangers that we were totally, unaware of. So, we combed the shore, and occasionally would venture to higher ground; only to find large amounts of descending residue - and dead and dying creatures everywhere.
We walked around the entire island, combing the rocks, and what little sand that was sporadically placed by the raging tides of ocean inlet. We could look and see, in the far-off distance, the coast of the mainland; with all its civilization. But, here on this Island, death and isolation was all around us; a most in-hospitable place for 4 amateur scouts.
And, as we walked the perimeter of this barren, desolate island, devoid of any (passed or present) human life, we soon realized our time, and welcome, were overstayed. Now, we had to get off this lump of rock and soil, and traverse that opposing and burdensome body of water; with what little resources we had.
1 partly-used, battery-powerpack,
2 outcomes, available to us,
3 wooden paddles,
4 worn and tired souls.
Little did my comrades know, I had not stopped, silently, praying since we began our journey.
Thanks to God, we had crossed this barren sea, scouted the terrain and wildlife (of that lost and forgotten island), and returned safely. For God was with us, watched over us, and showed mercy upon us.
We, four, modern-day, Christian explorers, had echoed a similar story; from the bible. These people, like us, were first filled with great expectations, hope and wonder; but only to have those feelings crushed.
We weren’t prepared for the journey we had undertaken, for the many hurtles and obstacles that faced us, and we weren’t prepared or for what we found (in that distant land); and neither, neither were the Israelites.
Way back in Genesis 12.1;
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household, to the land I will show you.
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse; and all peoples on earth will blessed through you.’”
Question;
The Lord promises many blessings, if only Abram would only…
…leave everything he knew behind and go to the place that would be shown to him?
Is that what God wanted?
Well, yes and no.
That was the request, but it’s not what God meant!
In Exodus 6:6-8, the Lord gives Moses this message, to deliver;
“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will free you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with mighty power and great acts of judgment. I will make you my own special people, and I will be your God. And you will know that I am the Lord your God, who has rescued you from your slavery in Egypt. I will bring you into that land, I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It will be your very own property. I am the Lord!’”
Here the Lord promised, that He would free the enslaved people, grant a great and powerful judgment against their captures, and make the Israelites His own special people.
The Lord, again, made some special promises, if only the Israelites would…
Follow Him?
Go to this far off land?
Later, in Exodus 33:1-3, we hear a little about what God is actually promising and giving to the Israelites.
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Now that you have brought these people out of Egypt, lead them to the land I solemnly promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them long ago that I would give this land to their descendants.
And I will send an angel before you, to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Theirs, is a land flowing with milk and honey.’”
This promise (to the Israelites), was a continuation and a conclusion to the promise made much earlier to Abram. The Lord foretold of a land, flowing with milk and honey; and a land free from all outside influences of the surrounding heathens.
As we remember the adventure Corey, Craig, Stanley and I had, listen to these words;
“The Lord, now said to Moses, ‘Send men to explore the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to Israel.’”
The Israelites were freed from slavery – as promised; they were led to the land of milk and honey – as promised; and finally, they stood perched to enter that land.
But they were unsure of what laid beyond the Jordan River.
We, 4-scouts, also were unsure of what lay on Bear Island. The Israelites knew nothing of this land that was promised to them. We knew nothing of Bear Island; only the stories from those, who hadn’t even been there.
The Israelites traveled and hoped; but soon complaints and disobedience spread like wild-fire through-out the camp. But, regardless, they had arrived safely, to the land, which was promised.
The Lord heard their disapproval and laments, and told Moses to send out scouts – in order to reassure the Israelite people. And, one of each of the 12 ancestral tribes were chosen, and discharged.
Much like the group that explored Bear Island, and, then came back with a bold and unbelievable tale; these scouts, spent 40 days exploring and investigating Canaan;
…a land flowing with milk and honey, the people living there were strong and powerful, their cities well-fortified; and even giants were seen.
After receiving this frightening report, the people rebel;
Numbers 14:
“Then all the people began weeping loudly, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of complaint against Moses and Aaron.
Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt!
Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites, from above the Tabernacle.
And the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will these people reject me? Will they ever believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?’”
After everything that God promised and delivered, the Israelites still doubted.
In sorrow and anger, the Lord said to Moses ‘How long will these people reject me?’”
I give you no happy ending, today. I give you no conclusion or recommendations.
The Israelites were enslaved, freed by God through Moses; they ere offered a land flowing with milk and honey; and all they did was complain and resist.
All of you have been offered ‘a land that flows with milk and honey.’ All of you have been promised eternal life through Jesus. The next step is yours.
Will you look and only see a barren and unforgiving land, such as that of Bear Island; or will you trust in God, and accept the life He has offered; in the land of milk and honey - eternally yours?
And the Lord said to Moses ‘How long will these people reject me?’”
Let us pray.
Sept. 2, “You are a Priority”
“You are a Priority”
by Brian Reid – Sept. 2, 2007 - NTUBC
In the world of Theology, there is a phenomenon known as the Markum Priority. This Marvel of the New Testament has to do with the books, Matthew, Mark and Luke.
As the Biblical Canon was created; the books of the Bible were chosen and put in order. As we have it today, the order of importance and chronological order has Matthew first, Mark second, then Luke.
But as today’s scholars discovered, something was out of seq., out of order, not quite right. Upon further, and in depth research, these scholars have agreed, and come up with a mystery; known as the Markum Priority.
Which concludes that Matthew may not have been written first at all, and Mark might have been the first written, and the books of Matthew and Luke may have been drawn from what was penned in Mark.
For everything that was written in Mark can be found in Matthew and Luke – and in some incidences, word-for-word. Also, Mark is shorter than Matthew and Luke, and where Mark ends or leaves off, Matthew and Luke then (continue) but differ.
So, Matthew and Luke are the very same, right up to the point, where Mark ends, and then Matthew and Luke go their separate ways, and tell contrasting stories.
And it is within this Markum Priority, that we draw our scripture lesson for today.
In Matthew 27, Mark 15, and Luke 23, Jesus is led away to be crucified. Then, Jesus is placed upon the cross to die.
In Matthew, we read that a man named Simon (from Cyrene) was forced to carry Jesus’ cross – when he could not bear it any longer. They led them to Golgotha (Skull Hill), where the soldiers gave Jesus wine, mixed with bitter-gall to drink. After tasting just a little, He refused the rest.
Then they nailed Him to the cross and gambled for His clothes. They placed a sign-board over His head that read; “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” This was not a title given, but an announcement of the charge against Him.
And “two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side.”
People passing by shouted insults and mocked them. “If you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross.”
And the criminals, who were crucified with Him, also shouted the same insults at Him.
In Mark 15, Simon, from Cyrene carried Jesus’ cross – The soldiers led them to Skull Hill / Golgotha, where Jesus refused to drink the wine drugged with Myrrh; that was offered to Him.
Then they nailed Him to the cross and threw dice for His clothes. At 9:00 in the morning, the crucifixion took place.
The sign-board was placed over His head, which charged Him with heresy – against the religious leaders of the day; “Jesus, the self-proclaimed King of the Jews.”
And “two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side.” People passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “He saved others, but He can’t save himself.”
Even the two criminals, who were being crucified with Jesus, also ridiculed Him.
Both Matthew and Mark tell a convincing story; but in Luke 23, we read something a little different.
As Jesus was lead away, Simon, of Cyrene was forced to bear Jesus’ cross. “Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. Finally they came to a place called The Skull. All three were crucified there – Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side.”
Then Jesus utters His ultimate statement of mercy;
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Abba, Father, forgive them. For they know not, what they do.”
Then they casted-lots for His clothes, the crowd watched, and the religious leaders and rulers laughed and scoffed Him. The sign-board was placed over His head, which charged Him with heresy – against the religious leaders of the day; “Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
The soldiers mocked Him too, by offering Him a drink of wine-vinegar. And they called out to him; “If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
But this is where the differences, I outline within the Markum Priority, makes two distinctions in the story.
On His death-bed, on the cross as He hung dying, Jesus reached out twice. Twice He took the opportunity to show what His ministry on earth was all about. Twice, just before He died, He showed to the soldiers, the religious leaders of the day, to the mocking crowd, to the those passing by, to everyone; twice He showed love for His fellow-man.
As His arms where spread-wide and nailed to the cross, He could still reach out, and wrap them, lovingly, around those who needed it the most.
First, he begged for mercy, for the ones that were actually crucifying Him; “Father, forgive them. For they know not, what they do.”
Even in the midst of His agonizing pain, suffering and death, He thought of others. In His time of need, He knew that the needs of others were more important. As the blood of Christ was dripping to the ground, and as pieces of flesh hung from His body, He disregarded His situation and struggled to help those, who were responsible for His struggling.
Then, moments, seconds before He gave up His spirit, one of the criminals that hung beside Him scoffed Jesus – one last time.
“So, you’re the Messiah, are You? Prove it by saving Yourself – and us, too, while your at it.”
But then, a wonderful and truly amazing thing happened. Someone finally stood up for Jesus. Someone actually came to His rescue – if only with words.
For the second criminal protested what the first criminal had said. “Don’t You fear God, even when Your dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”
Then the second criminal, turned his attention away from the first, and towards Jesus; and uttered a true confession and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah, the Lord and Savior.
“Jesus,” he said. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’
Then Jesus replied; “I assure you, today, you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus, in His dying breathe, took what energy He had, to reassure this criminal of His salvation. He ignored the scoffing, ignored the humiliation, ignored the insults, ignored the pain, ignored what was about to happen to Him; long enough to listen to this man’s confession of guilt, hear His confession of commitment, and to accept His confession of dedication.
As this man was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness – and Christ accepted him. It is not our deeds that save us; for this man was a criminal, and in his own confession said ‘we deserved to die for our evil deeds.’
But, when he turned to Christ in true faith, commitment, and dedication; salvation was granted.
Even when all looked hopeless, and all three looked into the face of death, the second criminal had faith, knew in his heart, that this was not the end for Jesus.
He may not have known what the future held for Jesus, but he knew he wanted to be part of it.
He said; “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.’ He did not say ‘if,’ he said ‘when.’
As Jesus reached out, while was nailed to the cross, He reached out in love, and in mercy, and in grace to all who would believe. He died, upon the cross for all who would believe.
Communion, is a thoughtful remembrance of what Jesus did upon the cross, and the love He showed, while He hung; for all who would believe.
(Communion hymn – verses 1 & 2)
Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
Do you believe that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
Do you believe that that Jesus died to remove the sins of this world – including your sins?
If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then you are welcome at this table.
Let’s Pray; Dear Lord,
We thank you for the love that you have shown upon the cross for us. We know we have sinned against You in word and deed; and we humbly repent of those sins right now.
Cleanses us, refine us, forgive us. Amen
by Brian Reid – Sept. 2, 2007 - NTUBC
In the world of Theology, there is a phenomenon known as the Markum Priority. This Marvel of the New Testament has to do with the books, Matthew, Mark and Luke.
As the Biblical Canon was created; the books of the Bible were chosen and put in order. As we have it today, the order of importance and chronological order has Matthew first, Mark second, then Luke.
But as today’s scholars discovered, something was out of seq., out of order, not quite right. Upon further, and in depth research, these scholars have agreed, and come up with a mystery; known as the Markum Priority.
Which concludes that Matthew may not have been written first at all, and Mark might have been the first written, and the books of Matthew and Luke may have been drawn from what was penned in Mark.
For everything that was written in Mark can be found in Matthew and Luke – and in some incidences, word-for-word. Also, Mark is shorter than Matthew and Luke, and where Mark ends or leaves off, Matthew and Luke then (continue) but differ.
So, Matthew and Luke are the very same, right up to the point, where Mark ends, and then Matthew and Luke go their separate ways, and tell contrasting stories.
And it is within this Markum Priority, that we draw our scripture lesson for today.
In Matthew 27, Mark 15, and Luke 23, Jesus is led away to be crucified. Then, Jesus is placed upon the cross to die.
In Matthew, we read that a man named Simon (from Cyrene) was forced to carry Jesus’ cross – when he could not bear it any longer. They led them to Golgotha (Skull Hill), where the soldiers gave Jesus wine, mixed with bitter-gall to drink. After tasting just a little, He refused the rest.
Then they nailed Him to the cross and gambled for His clothes. They placed a sign-board over His head that read; “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” This was not a title given, but an announcement of the charge against Him.
And “two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side.”
People passing by shouted insults and mocked them. “If you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross.”
And the criminals, who were crucified with Him, also shouted the same insults at Him.
In Mark 15, Simon, from Cyrene carried Jesus’ cross – The soldiers led them to Skull Hill / Golgotha, where Jesus refused to drink the wine drugged with Myrrh; that was offered to Him.
Then they nailed Him to the cross and threw dice for His clothes. At 9:00 in the morning, the crucifixion took place.
The sign-board was placed over His head, which charged Him with heresy – against the religious leaders of the day; “Jesus, the self-proclaimed King of the Jews.”
And “two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side.” People passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “He saved others, but He can’t save himself.”
Even the two criminals, who were being crucified with Jesus, also ridiculed Him.
Both Matthew and Mark tell a convincing story; but in Luke 23, we read something a little different.
As Jesus was lead away, Simon, of Cyrene was forced to bear Jesus’ cross. “Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. Finally they came to a place called The Skull. All three were crucified there – Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side.”
Then Jesus utters His ultimate statement of mercy;
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Abba, Father, forgive them. For they know not, what they do.”
Then they casted-lots for His clothes, the crowd watched, and the religious leaders and rulers laughed and scoffed Him. The sign-board was placed over His head, which charged Him with heresy – against the religious leaders of the day; “Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
The soldiers mocked Him too, by offering Him a drink of wine-vinegar. And they called out to him; “If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
But this is where the differences, I outline within the Markum Priority, makes two distinctions in the story.
On His death-bed, on the cross as He hung dying, Jesus reached out twice. Twice He took the opportunity to show what His ministry on earth was all about. Twice, just before He died, He showed to the soldiers, the religious leaders of the day, to the mocking crowd, to the those passing by, to everyone; twice He showed love for His fellow-man.
As His arms where spread-wide and nailed to the cross, He could still reach out, and wrap them, lovingly, around those who needed it the most.
First, he begged for mercy, for the ones that were actually crucifying Him; “Father, forgive them. For they know not, what they do.”
Even in the midst of His agonizing pain, suffering and death, He thought of others. In His time of need, He knew that the needs of others were more important. As the blood of Christ was dripping to the ground, and as pieces of flesh hung from His body, He disregarded His situation and struggled to help those, who were responsible for His struggling.
Then, moments, seconds before He gave up His spirit, one of the criminals that hung beside Him scoffed Jesus – one last time.
“So, you’re the Messiah, are You? Prove it by saving Yourself – and us, too, while your at it.”
But then, a wonderful and truly amazing thing happened. Someone finally stood up for Jesus. Someone actually came to His rescue – if only with words.
For the second criminal protested what the first criminal had said. “Don’t You fear God, even when Your dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”
Then the second criminal, turned his attention away from the first, and towards Jesus; and uttered a true confession and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah, the Lord and Savior.
“Jesus,” he said. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’
Then Jesus replied; “I assure you, today, you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus, in His dying breathe, took what energy He had, to reassure this criminal of His salvation. He ignored the scoffing, ignored the humiliation, ignored the insults, ignored the pain, ignored what was about to happen to Him; long enough to listen to this man’s confession of guilt, hear His confession of commitment, and to accept His confession of dedication.
As this man was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness – and Christ accepted him. It is not our deeds that save us; for this man was a criminal, and in his own confession said ‘we deserved to die for our evil deeds.’
But, when he turned to Christ in true faith, commitment, and dedication; salvation was granted.
Even when all looked hopeless, and all three looked into the face of death, the second criminal had faith, knew in his heart, that this was not the end for Jesus.
He may not have known what the future held for Jesus, but he knew he wanted to be part of it.
He said; “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.’ He did not say ‘if,’ he said ‘when.’
As Jesus reached out, while was nailed to the cross, He reached out in love, and in mercy, and in grace to all who would believe. He died, upon the cross for all who would believe.
Communion, is a thoughtful remembrance of what Jesus did upon the cross, and the love He showed, while He hung; for all who would believe.
(Communion hymn – verses 1 & 2)
Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
Do you believe that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
Do you believe that that Jesus died to remove the sins of this world – including your sins?
If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then you are welcome at this table.
Let’s Pray; Dear Lord,
We thank you for the love that you have shown upon the cross for us. We know we have sinned against You in word and deed; and we humbly repent of those sins right now.
Cleanses us, refine us, forgive us. Amen
Installation of Jonathan Thompson as “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus,
Installation of Jonathan Thompson
“Honorary” Pastor Emeritus,
New Tusket United Baptist Church
Jonathan Thompson, from a very early age, has devoted his life to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; through words and deeds. He has spent time in preparation, attending university and college; so that his work would be well done. He has served our community and the family of New Tusket United Baptist Church faithfully through the years.
He has been an active member on the Board of Christian Education, the 2006 Search Committee, and the 2006
Lay-Interm Committee. He has assisted in various services by reading God’s Word, and delivering the Pastoral Prayer. He also has shared, with us, his gift of preaching.
Now, we challenge him to continue, to be an example of Christ in all he does and says. Remember the words of Jesus when he said, "Whoever would lose their life for my sake will find it, and whoever would be the greatest among you, let them first be a servant of all."
Jonathan is such a servant, and we thank God for him.
Jonathan, we (now) call upon you, to reaffirm your commitment to Christ and this Church.
Please respond to these “Roles and Responsibilities;”
Roles & Responsibilities
“Honorary” Pastor Emeritus; Mr. Jonathan Thompson
New Tusked United Baptist Church
The Pastor Emeritus is asked…
1. To play a specific role in regular and special church services and celebrations; as requested.
2. To be a living example of a devoted and dedicated Christian.
3. To work with the existing Pastor, as well as the rest of the ministerial team and congregation of the New Tusket United Baptist Church, in bring people to Christ; saving souls.
4. To honor God; the Father, the Son. and the Holy Spirit in all you do and say.
5. To keep the Faith, and pray continually for all Christians; everywhere.
6. To read the Bible on a daily bases, and continue to learn, to evolve, and to grow.
7. To constantly look to God for direction, encouragement and support; and to offer the same to those lost.
8. To continue to spread the Word of the Lord.
9. To maintain your responsibility to God’s Church, by maintaining a valid church membership.
10. To walk in the Light of the Lord – at all times.
Jonathan, will you strive to live up to these expectations? Will you endeavor to be a living example and inspiration to us all?
(“Yes, with God's help.”)
Jonathan, to congregation and to God:
I reaffirm my baptism vows, and my dedication to God, believing with all my heart that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and accept the Holy Scriptures as inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. It is my sincere desire to continue to devote my life to the ministry of the Word, and to live my life in a way that will bring honor to my Lord.
Pastor Brian, to congregation:
Do you, as the family of the New Tusket United Baptist Church, renew your commitment to work together with Jonathan, now as “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus; so that more people will experience the saving grace of Jesus Christ?
Will you be faithful in your service of God, according to your abilities and opportunities?
Please indicate your willingness by standing and repeating after me; “Yes, with God's help.”
Congregation: “Yes, with God's help.”
Jonathan, to congregation:
I accept your invitation to be your “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus, and I now covenant with you that in the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ, I will live a Holy life, among you, as an example, and will faithfully attempt to bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Congregation:
In the name of Jesus, we as a congregation install you, Jonathan Thompson, as “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus of the New Tusket United Baptist Church. May God bless our work together.
Pastor Brian:
Let Us Pray,
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you so much for the life of Jonathan Thompson, and the example he sets for others. You, Dear lord, have placed within his heart, a love of Christ, and of other people. You have given to him a desire to sever you, in whatever way he can. And even though he may be limited in what his body can do, he is not limited in what his heart offers.
Lord, God, we ask you today, to grant to Jonathan a special sense of well-being and contentment; a special sense of accomplishment and pride; and a special sense of honor and duty – to You.
Please continue to bless this church, and our lives, with Your presence and Your everlasting peace. Give to Jonathan the strength and wisdom as he fulfills his role as “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus.
I pray all this, for all of us, in Your Son’s Holy and Heavenly name, Amen.
You may be seated.
“Honorary” Pastor Emeritus,
New Tusket United Baptist Church
Jonathan Thompson, from a very early age, has devoted his life to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; through words and deeds. He has spent time in preparation, attending university and college; so that his work would be well done. He has served our community and the family of New Tusket United Baptist Church faithfully through the years.
He has been an active member on the Board of Christian Education, the 2006 Search Committee, and the 2006
Lay-Interm Committee. He has assisted in various services by reading God’s Word, and delivering the Pastoral Prayer. He also has shared, with us, his gift of preaching.
Now, we challenge him to continue, to be an example of Christ in all he does and says. Remember the words of Jesus when he said, "Whoever would lose their life for my sake will find it, and whoever would be the greatest among you, let them first be a servant of all."
Jonathan is such a servant, and we thank God for him.
Jonathan, we (now) call upon you, to reaffirm your commitment to Christ and this Church.
Please respond to these “Roles and Responsibilities;”
Roles & Responsibilities
“Honorary” Pastor Emeritus; Mr. Jonathan Thompson
New Tusked United Baptist Church
The Pastor Emeritus is asked…
1. To play a specific role in regular and special church services and celebrations; as requested.
2. To be a living example of a devoted and dedicated Christian.
3. To work with the existing Pastor, as well as the rest of the ministerial team and congregation of the New Tusket United Baptist Church, in bring people to Christ; saving souls.
4. To honor God; the Father, the Son. and the Holy Spirit in all you do and say.
5. To keep the Faith, and pray continually for all Christians; everywhere.
6. To read the Bible on a daily bases, and continue to learn, to evolve, and to grow.
7. To constantly look to God for direction, encouragement and support; and to offer the same to those lost.
8. To continue to spread the Word of the Lord.
9. To maintain your responsibility to God’s Church, by maintaining a valid church membership.
10. To walk in the Light of the Lord – at all times.
Jonathan, will you strive to live up to these expectations? Will you endeavor to be a living example and inspiration to us all?
(“Yes, with God's help.”)
Jonathan, to congregation and to God:
I reaffirm my baptism vows, and my dedication to God, believing with all my heart that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and accept the Holy Scriptures as inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. It is my sincere desire to continue to devote my life to the ministry of the Word, and to live my life in a way that will bring honor to my Lord.
Pastor Brian, to congregation:
Do you, as the family of the New Tusket United Baptist Church, renew your commitment to work together with Jonathan, now as “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus; so that more people will experience the saving grace of Jesus Christ?
Will you be faithful in your service of God, according to your abilities and opportunities?
Please indicate your willingness by standing and repeating after me; “Yes, with God's help.”
Congregation: “Yes, with God's help.”
Jonathan, to congregation:
I accept your invitation to be your “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus, and I now covenant with you that in the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ, I will live a Holy life, among you, as an example, and will faithfully attempt to bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Congregation:
In the name of Jesus, we as a congregation install you, Jonathan Thompson, as “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus of the New Tusket United Baptist Church. May God bless our work together.
Pastor Brian:
Let Us Pray,
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you so much for the life of Jonathan Thompson, and the example he sets for others. You, Dear lord, have placed within his heart, a love of Christ, and of other people. You have given to him a desire to sever you, in whatever way he can. And even though he may be limited in what his body can do, he is not limited in what his heart offers.
Lord, God, we ask you today, to grant to Jonathan a special sense of well-being and contentment; a special sense of accomplishment and pride; and a special sense of honor and duty – to You.
Please continue to bless this church, and our lives, with Your presence and Your everlasting peace. Give to Jonathan the strength and wisdom as he fulfills his role as “Honorary” Pastor Emeritus.
I pray all this, for all of us, in Your Son’s Holy and Heavenly name, Amen.
You may be seated.
Aug. 26; “God’s Family”
“God’s Family”
Brian Reid – August 26, 2007
When we become Christians, we become part of the family of God. It is a time of great joy, happiness, hope and expectation.
But, what does that mean; being part of God’s family?
Well, we become brothers and sisters, in Christ, with many other people; and we are all believers. But, it is not us, that chooses who our family will be (as good as that sounds), it is God who determines who will be the other members of our Christian Family. We are simply called to accept them and love them. And, how you will treat them, is a reflection of the love you have for them.
In some types of ‘families,’ one must undertake certain steps, or rituals that prove allegiance to that ‘family,’ or group, club, or fraternity.
Being part of certain groups, requires a membership fee. Dues or money is paid to the group. Then and only then are allowed to be part of it.
Belonging to some clubs, require you to wear certain clothes or uniforms. Some fraternities demand it’s new members to wear the crest, logo, or Insignia of the group or organization; a badge, pin, scarf or hat.
Other, then putting on the Full Armor of God; being a Christian and belonging to the family of God does not!
Becoming a member of certain clubs require an application process, a checklist, certain documentation, certification, training and education. One must adhere to a mission statement or club rules and policies; and they encourage you to participate in as many events as possible, and to join one of the their many committees.
Being accepted into some fraternities, require you to do something strange, outrageous and shocking; maybe even scandalous, disgraceful or shameful. Being a Christian and belonging to the family of God does not!
Some of these things (that you have heard) may sound familiar, or may even be mandatory in some churches; but I reassure you of this, that belonging to God’s family, there are no prerequisites.
To belong to the family of God, all you have to do is believe – and God will accept you, with no strings attached, no if’s, and’s, or but’s.
Becoming a Christian, and becoming part of the family of God, require you to say 3 simple words; “I accept Christ!”
When you have accept Christ as Lord and Savior; you have accepted God’s plan of salvation; and you have shown your love to God, by showing your commitment and dedication to Jesus Christ. You are accepted and shown love, because you have accepted Christ and shown your love to Him.
Then, once you have become part of the family of God, the love within, stirs you to do; and to serve Christ and God, by serving others.
For those who love Christ, the hard-work and self-discipline of service, is no burden at all. For those who love Christ, doing things for Him, actually prove your love. And, for those who love Christ, think of the rewards in Heaven, that He has promised.
From our scripture readings;
This, first letter of John, is a call to fellowship with God; and is built upon the foundation of love, truth, and the Holy Spirit. This letter emphasizes the themes of knowing, believing, and abiding in Christ. And that belief in Christ, will be manifested, in the love, we have, for other Christians.
Christians, are simply called to love other Christians.
Verse 1, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, is a child, born of God; and everyone who loves the Father, loves his child, as well.”
If you are a child of God, you have been begotten by God.
Yes, you have been called to, singled out, beckoned to, encouraged, chosen, recruited, and accepted by God.
“God knew before He knit you together in your mother’s womb. He wrote your life story, before you were even born. You didn’t choose Him, He choose you.”
He liked you from the very beginning, He preferred you, He favored you, He picked you and selected for many reasons. Then, when He decided upon you, He made a commitment to you, and adopted you (as one of His children), and He embraced everything about you.
You! You - are a Child of God – forever.
And as a Child of God, and because you choose to love Him, the Spirit that is within you, prompts you to love other Children of God – other Christians. It is not something we are obligated to do, it is the Fruit of the Spirit, working within and upon your heart.
For the Fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us.
“…the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
“…and the greatest of these, the greatest of these - is love.”
So, when we become a child of God, God’s Holy Spirit begins it’s work in us, and we are changed, and we become more loving.
The Holy Spirit produces, in us, these quality traits, that are found in the Nature of Christ. We cannot obtain this fruit, without His help; and the only way we can get that help, and realize this fruit, is by believing in, and accepting Christ, and joining our lives to His.
Verse 2; “This is how we know that we love the children of God, by loving God and carrying out His commands.”
Here, John is saying, that the love of God, and the love for Mankind, are closely connected; the love for God is shown in the love of the brethren – brothers and sisters in Christ. The love of God and Mankind, and the life lived in accordance with, such love – is a union. It is connected and sealed together as a single, wholeness.
Verse 3; “This is love for God, to obey His command. And His commands are not burdensome.”
A real love for God is shown by a concern or seeking to do God’s will. We can define the love for God, by a natural expression, in doing things that please the Almighty, the Beloved; keeping His commandments, following His ways.
And furthermore, ‘keeping His commandments is not burdensome.’ His commandments are hard to follow at times, but if we really love God, then, even-thought they may be inconvenient, they are not difficult, troublesome or laborious.
At times, we will struggle with His commandments, and ‘fall short of the glory of God,’ but our failure is found in our human frailty, not in our love for Him.
Verse 4; “For everyone born of God overcomes the world…”
The most important word of this verse, is ‘overcomes.’ It is used in past-tense; the overcoming has already happen. The decisive victory is in the past, when Christ died to defeat evil, and when believers come to trust in Him. It is by trusting Christ, that we are given the victory; the victory that already has been won – so long ago, when Christ died and rose (triumphantly) again over death.
And when we accept Jesus, as the Christ, then, the victory is ours. Jesus has made it possible for all of us to have His victory; and we, then are victorious over the sins and evil of this world and over death itself.
Verse 5; “Who is it, that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.’
“And the ones who win this battle against the world, are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
Conclusion
Belief in Jesus as the Christ, and the love you have for fellow believes, are the hallmarks of true Christianity. We know that we love God, when, we love the children of God; and we know we love the children of God, when, we love Jesus Christ.
For everyone who believes, adheres to, trusts in, and relies on the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, he/she is a born-again child of God. And, everyone who loves the Father, also loves the one born of Him – which is the offspring, of His offspring…all those who are Christian.
By this, we come to know, to recognize and understand, that we love the children of God; when we love God and obey His commands, and are mindful of His principles and His teachings.
For the (true) love of God is this; ‘that we do His commands – keep His ordinances.’ And these orders, of His, are not annoying, burdensome, oppressive or disturbing.
For whatever is born of God, is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world.
Who is it, which is victorious and conquers the world? It is he/she, it is all of you, who believe that Jesus is the Son of God; you, who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact.
For those of us, who love God, and show it by following Christ, are Children of God. Loving Christ, means loving God; which is seen, manifested and proven, by the love that we have for others.
For the Children of God, simply, love other Children of God.
Let’s pray;
Brian Reid – August 26, 2007
When we become Christians, we become part of the family of God. It is a time of great joy, happiness, hope and expectation.
But, what does that mean; being part of God’s family?
Well, we become brothers and sisters, in Christ, with many other people; and we are all believers. But, it is not us, that chooses who our family will be (as good as that sounds), it is God who determines who will be the other members of our Christian Family. We are simply called to accept them and love them. And, how you will treat them, is a reflection of the love you have for them.
In some types of ‘families,’ one must undertake certain steps, or rituals that prove allegiance to that ‘family,’ or group, club, or fraternity.
Being part of certain groups, requires a membership fee. Dues or money is paid to the group. Then and only then are allowed to be part of it.
Belonging to some clubs, require you to wear certain clothes or uniforms. Some fraternities demand it’s new members to wear the crest, logo, or Insignia of the group or organization; a badge, pin, scarf or hat.
Other, then putting on the Full Armor of God; being a Christian and belonging to the family of God does not!
Becoming a member of certain clubs require an application process, a checklist, certain documentation, certification, training and education. One must adhere to a mission statement or club rules and policies; and they encourage you to participate in as many events as possible, and to join one of the their many committees.
Being accepted into some fraternities, require you to do something strange, outrageous and shocking; maybe even scandalous, disgraceful or shameful. Being a Christian and belonging to the family of God does not!
Some of these things (that you have heard) may sound familiar, or may even be mandatory in some churches; but I reassure you of this, that belonging to God’s family, there are no prerequisites.
To belong to the family of God, all you have to do is believe – and God will accept you, with no strings attached, no if’s, and’s, or but’s.
Becoming a Christian, and becoming part of the family of God, require you to say 3 simple words; “I accept Christ!”
When you have accept Christ as Lord and Savior; you have accepted God’s plan of salvation; and you have shown your love to God, by showing your commitment and dedication to Jesus Christ. You are accepted and shown love, because you have accepted Christ and shown your love to Him.
Then, once you have become part of the family of God, the love within, stirs you to do; and to serve Christ and God, by serving others.
For those who love Christ, the hard-work and self-discipline of service, is no burden at all. For those who love Christ, doing things for Him, actually prove your love. And, for those who love Christ, think of the rewards in Heaven, that He has promised.
From our scripture readings;
This, first letter of John, is a call to fellowship with God; and is built upon the foundation of love, truth, and the Holy Spirit. This letter emphasizes the themes of knowing, believing, and abiding in Christ. And that belief in Christ, will be manifested, in the love, we have, for other Christians.
Christians, are simply called to love other Christians.
Verse 1, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, is a child, born of God; and everyone who loves the Father, loves his child, as well.”
If you are a child of God, you have been begotten by God.
Yes, you have been called to, singled out, beckoned to, encouraged, chosen, recruited, and accepted by God.
“God knew before He knit you together in your mother’s womb. He wrote your life story, before you were even born. You didn’t choose Him, He choose you.”
He liked you from the very beginning, He preferred you, He favored you, He picked you and selected for many reasons. Then, when He decided upon you, He made a commitment to you, and adopted you (as one of His children), and He embraced everything about you.
You! You - are a Child of God – forever.
And as a Child of God, and because you choose to love Him, the Spirit that is within you, prompts you to love other Children of God – other Christians. It is not something we are obligated to do, it is the Fruit of the Spirit, working within and upon your heart.
For the Fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us.
“…the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
“…and the greatest of these, the greatest of these - is love.”
So, when we become a child of God, God’s Holy Spirit begins it’s work in us, and we are changed, and we become more loving.
The Holy Spirit produces, in us, these quality traits, that are found in the Nature of Christ. We cannot obtain this fruit, without His help; and the only way we can get that help, and realize this fruit, is by believing in, and accepting Christ, and joining our lives to His.
Verse 2; “This is how we know that we love the children of God, by loving God and carrying out His commands.”
Here, John is saying, that the love of God, and the love for Mankind, are closely connected; the love for God is shown in the love of the brethren – brothers and sisters in Christ. The love of God and Mankind, and the life lived in accordance with, such love – is a union. It is connected and sealed together as a single, wholeness.
Verse 3; “This is love for God, to obey His command. And His commands are not burdensome.”
A real love for God is shown by a concern or seeking to do God’s will. We can define the love for God, by a natural expression, in doing things that please the Almighty, the Beloved; keeping His commandments, following His ways.
And furthermore, ‘keeping His commandments is not burdensome.’ His commandments are hard to follow at times, but if we really love God, then, even-thought they may be inconvenient, they are not difficult, troublesome or laborious.
At times, we will struggle with His commandments, and ‘fall short of the glory of God,’ but our failure is found in our human frailty, not in our love for Him.
Verse 4; “For everyone born of God overcomes the world…”
The most important word of this verse, is ‘overcomes.’ It is used in past-tense; the overcoming has already happen. The decisive victory is in the past, when Christ died to defeat evil, and when believers come to trust in Him. It is by trusting Christ, that we are given the victory; the victory that already has been won – so long ago, when Christ died and rose (triumphantly) again over death.
And when we accept Jesus, as the Christ, then, the victory is ours. Jesus has made it possible for all of us to have His victory; and we, then are victorious over the sins and evil of this world and over death itself.
Verse 5; “Who is it, that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.’
“And the ones who win this battle against the world, are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
Conclusion
Belief in Jesus as the Christ, and the love you have for fellow believes, are the hallmarks of true Christianity. We know that we love God, when, we love the children of God; and we know we love the children of God, when, we love Jesus Christ.
For everyone who believes, adheres to, trusts in, and relies on the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, he/she is a born-again child of God. And, everyone who loves the Father, also loves the one born of Him – which is the offspring, of His offspring…all those who are Christian.
By this, we come to know, to recognize and understand, that we love the children of God; when we love God and obey His commands, and are mindful of His principles and His teachings.
For the (true) love of God is this; ‘that we do His commands – keep His ordinances.’ And these orders, of His, are not annoying, burdensome, oppressive or disturbing.
For whatever is born of God, is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world.
Who is it, which is victorious and conquers the world? It is he/she, it is all of you, who believe that Jesus is the Son of God; you, who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact.
For those of us, who love God, and show it by following Christ, are Children of God. Loving Christ, means loving God; which is seen, manifested and proven, by the love that we have for others.
For the Children of God, simply, love other Children of God.
Let’s pray;
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