COMMANDER INTENT Acys 13:1-12
Posted on August 13, 2010
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In the military you need clear and precise goals for a successful operation. They have what they call “commander intent.” At the end of the mission in simplest terms what had to be accomplished. Such as hold this hill, cross that river, provide support to third battalion as they make an orderly retreat. The goal is clear, precise and measurable. In Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas have embarked upon what has become known as their first missionary journey. Their first stop was Cyprus (Barnabas’ home island). It was there they met Satanic opposition in the form of Elymas the Magician.
Here God goes head to head against Satan. Though the conflict is carried out between God and Satan’s emissaries. Usually we concern ourselves with the will of God. At least from an intelectual perspective. In reality we generally just do what we want. God’s will has become so abstract to the Christian community we merely pay it lip-service. God’s cosmic agenda is big and bold and beyond our immediate responsibility.
But let’s face it. We are at war, spiritual war. All Paul and Barnabas were doing was being true to the mission God has given in Acts 1:8 to go to the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Cyprus was a microcosm of that mission. It became clear to Paul that the political leadership in Cyprus had to hear the gospel. In Paul’s mind that was commander intent. At all costs, if its the last thing he might do, Cyprus would know of Christ and his cross. Satan did not want the politicians on Cyprus to know of Christ. Such was the will of Satan. Paul realized for every intent of God there is an intent of Satan. Cyprus just happened to be the particular hill they were fighting over.
Kirkwood and moving to Trim Street are our Cyprus. It is a flashpoint of conflict with Satan. He does not want us to move to Trim Street. If he can keep us from crossing that street, making that move, taking on a challenge bigger than ourselves, dreaming about generations instead of dreaming about ourselves, he has won. His commander intent is to stop you from going to Trim Street and advancing the gospel in Kirkwood and Broome County. If he can keep you here he can contain you for another generation and he will have won. We know what God’s will is. He is going to build his church, including one on Trim. We know what Satan’s will is, to keep us from moving forward and crossing the street. The question that remains is what is your will? Are you really going to let Satan keep you from moving to Trim Street? WHB
THE BRAND Acts 11:19-30
Posted on July 24, 2010
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“They were first called Christians at Antioch.” – St. Luke
The early followers of Jesus were “branded” Christians. What started out as a derogatory remark has become the nameplate of Christ’s church. “Brand” had gone through its own cycle of use and scrutiny, just like Christianity. In the Old West it was considered an honor to be referred to as someone who “rode for the brand.” Generally reserved for cowboys who were committed to the particular outfit they rode for. Branding has come a long way since then. Today it is generally used as a marketing term. Marketers attempt to identify a product with a symbol. The goal of branding is to connect people with a product and get you to commit to it. Needless to say in our cynical society branding is often looked upon with disdain.
The early followers of Christ were looked upon with disdain. Their cross-carrying Savior who took away sins was an object of ridicule. In this text we encounter followers of Christ who ride for the brand. They actively promote him. The text says, they were “preaching the Lord Jesus.” In today’s culture preaching is looked upon with cynicism (don’t preach at me) or it is considered in a corporate worship context (the sermon in a service). But in this text it is simply announcing the good news of Christ and his cross. They were selling the brand. Granted, many of us will be disturbed by the idea of selling/marketing Jesus. But the fact of the matter is that we have no problem marketing other things/people that we find valuable/helpful to us and to others. If you have a good Dr., you tell others about him. If you got a great deal at a store, you tell where others can get the same deal. If you found a mechanic you can trust. You are his best advertisement. We are always promoting the things that we see important. Are we promoting Christ? That’s what those who ride for the brand do.
The text goes on to express that those who ride for the brand are faithful to the brand, transformed by the brand and take care of their own (others who associate with the brand). Do you ride for the brand? Those who do have been transformed internally by the power of Christ’s cross through the activity of the Holy Spirit. The internal transformation (as expressed in Barnabas) is demonstrated through external expression (aka Saul the converted Pharisee who persecuted Christians). Christ works in us and then works his way out of us.
What is working in you? The text begins with “those were scattered because of the persecution” (v. 19). “Persecution” means “crushed”. When crushed Christ spilled out of the early followers of Christ. When you are crushed, what/who comes out of you? What’s your brand? -WHB
BE THE FLAME Acts 9:26-31
Posted on June 12, 2010
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Once upon a time Paul was not “in”. I know it’s hard to believe. One tends to just assume that Paul was born with an apostolic spoon in his mouth. He spoke and people listened. But such is not the case, which brings us to our text. Paul was up against the deadly triad of fear, faith and forgiveness. Fear you can grasp but how are faith and forgiveness triad “like”? Well, the people were afraid of Paul and did not believe (faith) that he had become a follower of Christ. Not to mention the fact that they could not forget/forgive what he had previously done. Such is one of the realities of church life. It is one thing to be haunted by our past and be burdened by our baggage but this is a text which puts the church in the position of antagonist. She won’t let go of Paul’s past nor is she willing to carry any of his baggage. Ironically, Paul would later write in Galatians that we are to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
What we all need to participate in is the “Barnabas factor.” Were it not for Barnabas Paul would have been left out in the cold. He plays two major roles in Paul’s life. First, as advocate and then as mentor. As an advocate Barnabas did what so many of us won’t take the time to do. That is listen. Which is central to being an advocate. He took it even further when he chose to believe Paul’s story and actively speak on his behalf. Barnabas spoke for Paul and it was by his word that Paul gained entrance to the church at Jerusalem. Barnabas is in every way Jesus-like for this is exactly what Christ has done for us before the Father. “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous” (1 John 2:1). Jesus brings us through the front door of his death and resurrection to a heavenly audience with God the Father. No back room deals here. But the public demonstration of the matchless love of God. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on his will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
As mentor he becomes a guide to Paul. In their early travels it is “Barnabas and Paul” but by the end of their journeys it is, “Paul and Barnabas.” We need to be the flame that ignites a soul for Jesus. Making investments in people’s lives with the hope of nurturing faith in Christ. The Church does not need more “stuff”. We already have everything we need, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). What we need is to give of ourselves. We are the light of the world and that light can not be extinguished, for it is Christ. Ask God to place upon your heart one person for whom you must advocate and mentor. Then be the flame that ignites a soul for Jesus. WHB
LION KING Rev. 5:1-10 (Good Friday 2010)
Posted on April 2, 2010
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“I began to weep because no one was found worthy to open the scroll.” The cross is a moment of great desperation. The struggle between heaven and hell, life and death, sin and righteousness. It is the violent act whereby God wrestles us from the clutches of Satan.
The apostle John begins to weep bitterly at the idea that no one is worthy or able to unravel the scroll. As if the deep mysteries of God are tightly woven within it. The scroll is the future; inaccessible, unobtainable, beyond the limits of our reach.
“Behold, the loin of the tribe of Judah has overcome so he can open the scroll. It is through the cross that Christ unlocks the future. He is the key to our destiny. The cross is not the place of loss but the means of gain.
“And I saw between the throne, a lamb, as if slain.” The loin became a lamb. Do not be deceived. As a lamb the lion is pure and undefiled. The cross wounded him but it did not tame him. Even now, he bears the scars. And he will for an eternity. It echoes a harsh reminder of the sting of death and the penalty for sin. He fore bore our iniquities, he was wounded for our transgressions.
Our savior is a ferocious warrior who will not be defeated. On the cross he won the day and made a way for us into the future. The crucifixion is the day the lion became a lamb and won the day for man. WHB
An Apocalyptic Easter
Posted on March 24, 2010
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Ok, so Revelation is not apocalyptic literature. It’s prophetic literature with apocalyptic character. I realize it is a strained point but it does set the compass on how one interprets the text. Words really do have meaning and change culture or in this case texts. Anyway on to Easter. I got to thinking. Easter is generally viewed through the lens of the gospels. But isn’t Easter in other texts? Which got me to thinking about Revelation and the drama of the end times. All of the Passion highlights are there; Palm Sunday (triumphant entry and victory), Good Friday (the cross) and Easter (resurrection). So, I will be preaching out of Revelation throughout Passion week. I will be starting in Revelation 7 on Palm Sunday. We tend to forget our history. The early church fathers used to focus on Lamentations throughout Lent. When was the last time the church focused on Lamentations at all? So, it is going to be an apocalyptic Easter. Revelation (the scariest book of the Bible) awaits. And it is a great ending for the people of God. WHB
24 Acts 6:8-7:60
Posted on March 20, 2010
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The church needs its Jack Bauers. Yes, you read that right. Jack Bauer, the man America needs but cannot admit exists. He has seen the future and knows what must be done. He’s the first one through the door. The one willing to get dirty for what is right. He is not concerned with the finer points of the debate. His focus is on the harsh reality. In many ways he is the person America loves to hate but desperately needs. Who will be Jack Bauer?
The Acts narrative experiences a major shift with the introduction of Stephen. Luke has laid the literary groundwork for his explosion into the narrative; tension with the Jewish leadership, rise of the hellenist in the church and a growing church but with a narrow vision. Stephen would become the catalyst for radical expansion of the church both geographically and ethnically. Stephen took the words of Jesus literally, “go to all nations and make disciples.”
Allow me to assuage your confusion. Stephen is a hellenistic Jew. That means he is more comfortable in greek culture than he is in jewish culture. Some might say he was downright worldly. But he becomes a deacon and begins preaching the gospel to of all people, other hellenistic Jews. He is at the synagogue of the Freedmen. It means what it says. They were a synagogue of x-slaves. The strange this is that they accuse Stephen of blasphemy. Suggesting the law of Moses would be abolished and the temple would be torn down. The text tells us false witnesses accused Stephen but I expect in some way they were not all that far off. Up till now the church was co-mingling with Judaism. I think Stephen saw the inevitable break. Christianity and Judaism were not the same. Jesus has seen to that. He had fulfilled the Law and the temple of his body had been torn down (crucified) and rebuilt (resurrected) in three days.
Stephen is Jack Bauer. He is the first one in the door. He sees the future and his choices make him a trailblazer in ministry. He becomes the first martyr. Luke quite intentionally speaks of Stephen’s stoning in the vein of the cross. Guilt drives the crowd mad and they proceed to stone Stephen. He is the one who’s face is like an angel. He is the one who sees Jesus at the right hand of the Father. He is the one who in his last breath says, “forgive them.” The text echoes the golgothic narrative.
Stephen is like Christ, his Savior. Just about the time the Church was about to settle into its comfortable existence, Stephen caused a blowout. Things would never be the same and there was no going back. The church needs its Stephen’s. Who will be Jack Bauer? WHB
HEALING RAIN Acts 3:1-19
Posted on February 6, 2010
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Our life is full of brokenness – broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives. -Henri Nouwen
It was his life. Settling for less, when God was willing to do so much more. Such is the reality for many of us as we make our journey, no, as we sit our way through the Christian life. Acts 3 tells the story of the healing of the man lame from birth. His life consists of sitting at the entrance of the temple hoping for some financial assistance. Thus the context is created for Peter to say, “Silver and gold have I none.” But Peter did have Christ and in the name of Jesus this man rises and walks.
Luke is melding “act” with “proclamation.” The coming of the Holy Spirit was an act and Peter expounds on it with a proclamation of Christ. Here in Acts 3 the healing of the lame man is an act and Peter responds with a proclamation of Christ. Jesus is very much at the center of the narrative. God is acting in human history. Just because Jesus has ascended up into heaven does not mean he is now passively watching from above. He remains active here in the life of people. A major development is that he is not only active but active through his people. We are believer-priests, the hands and feet of Christ. Christ not only works in us but through us to advance his mission of building his church.
In this text we learn that the healing power of God is a witness to the the lordship of Christ. Jesus not only is Lord, but he actively demonstrates that truth in human history. He does it in our lives. Perhaps we are too attached to the norm of Christian experience. We like to to be sanitized and predictable. That way it doesn’t intrude too much into the rest of our lives. God really does change our lives. He is the God who heals. As the body of Christ it is our mandate to be his emissaries in ministering the message of the cross. Jesus said, “which is easier, tell this man rise up and walk or to forgive sins?” Perhaps we have a hard time expecting either. When he is the one who blots out our sins, makes it as if it never happened. Jesus is healing rain, falling down, all over me, all over you….. -WHB
CHAOS THEORY Acts 2:42-47
Posted on January 30, 2010
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‘Communitas’ is a society on then edge of chaos. Christianity has its share of descriptions to describe itself; church, community, family, body. All have their rightful place. In time though the old terms can lose their identity. Or perhaps it is not the terms losing their identity but Christianity itself that loses its way. At the end of Acts 2 there is a brief pause. Luke summarizes the life and experience of the early church. It is a community or communitas on the edge of chaos.
The danger here us to extract the text from its context, take the four aspects of early church life (doctrine, fellowship, sacraments and prayer) and create a sterile environment. As if to suggest these four elements make a church. Granted, you may have created a club, but there is not guarantee it is a church. This summary text is sandwiched between the pentecostal event and healing of a lame man. These are action-oriented and gospel-proclaiming events. The church engaging the world at large. It is the church being “in the world.” Which is exactly where she belongs.
Our great weakness is to marginalize ourselves so much that we become of no earthly value. So isolated from the rest of the world that we are beyond reach perhaps even thought. When in reality you want the world to think about church. She needs to wonder what God is doing in there. If the world needs Christ. Then the world needs the church for she is God’s tool to make disciples.
God wants the church to be communitas on the edge of chaos. That is for us to be a community that engages the world in its neediness and lost condition. To isolate ourselves is to forsake our mission. I dare say the church is emboldened by the chaos. Someone once said, “what doesn’t kill you just makes you stronger.” The church that isolates itself inevitably becomes weak and feeds upon itself. Ironically the pool from which the church grows is chaos. For it is out of the chaos that God converts and transforms. Pulling people out of darkness and bringing them to light. -WHB
WHAT JESUS Acts 2:14-39
Posted on January 23, 2010
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“We may be embarrassed about Christianity but we do not have to be embarrassed about Jesus.” -Dan Kimball
Will the real Jesus please stand up. Our culture is inundated with Jesus’. He’s a household name. Most religions respect him. You’ve never heard a politician criticize him. Everybody seems to like him. But do we actually know him? And if we did would we still prefer him?
In Acts 2 Peter preaches his landmark sermon following Pentecost. It is his response to the question as to the pentecostal event. Ironically from a theological perspective we generally say Pentecost is about the church (its birth). Peter on the other hand tells us it is about Christ. Christ of course is just another word for messiah. Peter’s proclamation is that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah spoken of by the OT prophets. He has climatically stepped into human history and the world will never be the same. Life and eternity literally turn upon him. We turn upon him. For Peter this one of his most profound theological statements as to the person and nature of Jesus. It stands as Peter’s statement of faith in regards to Christ.
So what did Peter believe? That Jesus was a human being sent into the world by God the Father for a specific purpose. This Jesus we crucified and God raised him from the dead (see v.22-24). He was anticipated by David and is currently exalted sitting at the Father’s right hand in heaven. Jesus is Lord (see v.34-36). He is the Lord who alone can save us from our sins.
To understand the flow of the text you need to catch Peter’s use of Joel. He ends with the prophetic promise that “all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (v.21). Three times in Peter’ sermon he references “this Jesus” (v.23,32,36). The final reference to “this Jesus” is that he has been exalted and is now Lord. That is he is the Lord of the prophet Joel. The Lord who saves those who call upon him.
Ironically, Peter’s audience was steeped in religion. You would have thought they of all people would have got it. But they crucified him. I fear the church takes far too much for granted. We think we know Jesus. But is it “this Jesus?” Is it the Jesus Peter preached? How many of us who are sitting in church on Sunday need to repent, call upon the name of the Lord and be saved? Who is your Savior? The Lord Jesus or your “personal Jesus”? -WHB
SISTER CHRISTIAN Lk. 1:26-38;46-55
Posted on December 19, 2009
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“Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you.” – Parker Palmer
The story of Mary is a quest for vocation. Bearing and raising Jesus was not just her job, it became her life. In a sense vocation is something only you can do (in the sense that there is only one you). Lets face it, there was only one Mary. From God’s perspective there could be no other. Not that there wasn’t anyone else. But that’s who God wanted.
In all truth I come to Mary with fear and trembling. It’s easy to talk about Joseph for we have such limited knowledge of him. But Mary is another story. She ponders Jesus from the cradle to the grave. For one, I no doubt can not understand the mind of a woman. In itself that is dangerous territory. Second, Mary is a bit of a conundrum for the Church. In Roman Catholic circles she is over-venerated. But in conservative christian circles she is barely a blip on the radar screen. You might say she is under-appreciated.
Which is tragic because I think Mary is a great picture of our own struggle with the question, “Who am I and what will become of my life?” Mary knew exactly who she was. The handmaiden of the Lord. She was willing to “let it be according to God’s word.”
I believe several things about Mary: 1) she was poor (that’s herself she is talking about in the Magnificat), 2) She was the first NT preacher. John the Baptist usually gets that honor but Mary beats him to it. The Maginficat is the gospel. 3) Mary was a primary teacher of Jesus. You might say he was his Mother’s son. What Mary proclaims in the Magnificat is what Jesus does. Or more appropriately put; it’s who Jesus is.
Mary teaches us several things about our own quest for vocation. First we have to listen to God and not self. And we usually have so many of our own opinions its hard for God to get a word in edge wise. Then, we have to take our own risks. We love living other people’s lives (in our minds). It costs nothing. Mary paid everything. If you never take any risks you will never be able to enjoy the journey of vocation. And finally, you have to settle the ownership issue. Mary was the “servant of the Lord.” If you don’t do that your life will “never speak.” At least not in a way that people look back and “call you blessed.”
None of this made any sense at the time of course. That’s the way life works. Mary was just your average Sister Christian, like any country bumpkin who simply loved God. In the eyes of her community she became a “scarlet letter.” She was the talk of the town. A good girl gone bad. Or an ignorant follower of God who doesn’t know about sex education (her parents must have sent her to Christian school). I see Mary scorned in one community (church) and the butt end of a lot of jokes in another community (the world). Only she knew/believed the truth (Joseph came around). Roberta Bondi once said, “even Jesus was resurrected with his wounds.” I reckon Mary had her wounds. But out of them came her vocation. Her life has been speaking ever since. We call her “blessed.” And we have been celebrating Christmas ever since. WHB
(I am deeply grateful for the insight Scot McKnight has lent to this sermon series through his book The Jesus Creed. A worthy read.)