sermon by Theo Ipema, Jan 11th Considering the Jesus’ divine nature as the Son of God and His sinless existence, many have wondered why Jesus felt the need to be baptized. John the Baptist was the first to wonder, when Jesus approached him at the Jordan River.
When Jesus came to be baptized, John was taken aback and expressed a natural hesitance. “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” he asked.
From John’s perspective, and perhaps from ours as well, baptism was for the cleansing of sins. So why would Jesus, who was without sin, need to participate in this sacrament?
Fulfilling All Righteousness
Jesus’ response is insightful.
He told John, “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Here, righteousness is not only a matter of morality but also doing what is proper. So, in keeping with what was proper, both Jesus and John understood the importance of this event. It was not about acknowledging sin, but about fulfilling a divine purpose.
Many parents bring their children for baptism because it feels like the proper thing to do. It’s what tradition teaches us, and perhaps in that sense, Jesus’ baptism set an example. Whatever the motive, God often uses such events in profound ways, highlighting the sacred nature of sacraments.
Baptism as Epiphany
In reflecting on Jesus’ baptism, I find it enlightening to view it as an epiphany. An epiphany reveals, making known the meaning and purpose behind an event. Through His baptism, we come to understand more deeply who Jesus is and what He is called to do. Likewise, it reminds us of who we are and our calling.
Visually, medieval art depicts Jesus’ baptism with vivid imagery—a cloak of water, a descending dove, and a celestial halo. These symbols tell us much about Jesus’ divinity, especially when combined with God’s proclamation, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” These words from the Gospel point us back to the prophecy from Isaiah, emphasizing Jesus as the Son, servant, and chosen one.
Our Calling as Baptized Christians
Drawing from these scriptural and historical insights, our own baptisms take on new significance. Baptism is described as an ordination, a commissioning of sorts. We are not merely participants in a ritual; we are ordained to serve as sons and daughters, as servants and chosen ones, reflecting Christ’s mission in the world.
I believe it’s a common misconception to reserve the term “ordained” for bishops, priests, and deacons alone. However, baptism ordains each of us to be ministers, called to bear witness, carry out acts of service, and represent the Church. Jesus’ life exemplified this through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice.
Justice and Servanthood
In serving, justice as described in Isaiah is of paramount importance—not the justice of human rights as we understand today, but a justice that teaches reverence for God. As Jesus’ followers, we are tasked with making God’s lordship known, serving without proclamation, just as Jesus did good throughout His ministry.
Jesus’ own baptism was a moment when God called and commissioned Him for His earthly mission. Similarly, in our baptisms, God commissions us to represent Christ, striving to reconcile the world with the love of God.
In conclusion, Jesus’ baptism was far from a mistake. It serves as an epiphany, a continuous revelation paving the way for us to walk as His beloved children and faithful servants. Thanks be to God for this incredible gift of baptismal life.
Dig into the term “King of Kings” and what it means in terms of the balance between Christ’s divinity and humanity, and the social nature of Jesus’s life… a meaning that the word “king” no longer has.
The reach of the gospel and the significance of Christ excludes no one.
Reflecting on the story of the Apostle Paul, who declared Jesus Christ as Lord of all upon witnessing a vision of clean and unclean animals, we see a powerful illustration of the all-encompassing nature of redeeming love.
‘King of Kings’ no longer works
While the New Testament concludes with a triumphant vision of Jesus as the glorified King of Kings and Lord of Lords, I can’t help but feel that the title ‘King of Kings’, as used by the Wise Men, might not do justice to the true scope of Christ’s kingship. Jesus is more than the King of the Jews; He is the King of all nations.
The Wise Men, gentiles from Eastern lands, were the first to acknowledge this truth and offer homage to Him—a gesture that has been repeated by multitudes across the world, including myself today.
What “Kingship” means today
In today’s democratic world, where monarchy is scarce and often unwelcome, the concept of kingship might seem outdated. Some may even feel troubled by describing Christ as King. We have witnessed protests, even in countries to our south, rejecting the notion of kingship.
This concern, however, stems from a misunderstanding. The complaints are aimed at the wrong kind of king— one who embodies dictatorship, rather than the benevolent reign of Christ.
Revisiting Christmas Carols
In 1925, the Feast of Christ the King was established, evolving into the acknowledgment of Christ’s reign. During this transition, some proposed revisions to familiar Christmas carols to align with modern sensitivities, substituting words like ‘King’, ‘Man’, ‘Son’, ‘Virgin’, and ‘Lord’ with more politically correct alternatives.
For instance, in “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, the phrase “glory to the Newborn King” has been adapted to “glory to the Christ child”.
Similarly, in “Joy to the World”, the line “the Lord is come, let earth receive her King” was changed to “peace shall come”, which honestly strikes me as laughable, were it not so insensitive.
This change risks overshadowing Christ’s humanity with His kingship, leading to a superficial understanding of Jesus as merely a divine figure in disguise. Yet, the church teaches that Jesus Christ was both fully man and fully God.
Embracing Christ’s Humanity
God’s divine love was demonstrated through Christ’s acceptance of our humanity. Jesus was not an ideal, textbook human but a Galilee carpenter and freelance rabbi, navigating life step by step and relying on His Father’s guidance— yet, always without faltering.
What often remains underemphasized is the social aspect of Christ’s humanity. To be truly human is to need others.
Like us, Jesus was shaped by His relationships—His mother Mary, His earthly father Joseph, the village rabbi, His disciples, and the poor He served. Had they been different people, Jesus would have been a different person too.
To exist as a man, He had to become one with them, and to continue as a man, He remains connected with them.
Unity in Christ
In Jesus, the life of God became incarnate and expanded into a complex web of personal relationships centered around Him.
Heaven, I believe, must be a state free of the barriers between human beings. It is where Christ becomes Himself by embracing us, and we become our true selves by embracing Him.
Thanks be to God, for His love knows no limits and reaches beyond titles and traditions to touch the heart of every individual.
How did Joseph rise above personal hurt to embrace God’s plans that he could not understand? He opened his heart to new directions and divine purposes in his life. Are you open to God’s unexpected interventions? Find out how this openness can lead to profound spiritual growth and transformation.
I find myself deeply contemplating the roles of the central figures. More specifically, Mary and Joseph offer a remarkable example of how to navigate the tension between logic and faith.
The Unlikely Choice of Mary
Mary’s story is extraordinary. She was chosen for her role long before the onset of events that we now read about. Her unique position in the narrative leaves me in awe. She was due to be married to Joseph when it was discovered she was with child by the Holy Spirit. One cannot discuss this story without mentioning Joseph, who also played a crucial role, requiring his own form of preparation.
Understanding Joseph’s Struggle
Joseph, a silent character in many narratives, inhabited a world where tradition dictated the man as head of the household. Despite this, Jesus was known as the Son of Mary, not Joseph. The text in Matthew offers a glimpse into the complexity of this situation from our modern perspective. Joseph was in the process of betrothal, a period akin to engagement but within which the couple were known as husband and wife, albeit without the full rights or responsibilities.
Joseph grappled with Mary’s pregnancy as inconceivable within his understanding, yet he was a just man, caught in the swirl of emotions and societal norms. Reflecting inward, I sense Joseph’s struggle was familiar. Like him, we often experience the deepest turmoil when wronged or hurt, even when aware our response could be different.
Rising Above Hurt with Compassion
Joseph’s story resonates with me because he transcended personal hurt. He demonstrated compassion over legalism, a lesson that challenges me to be both just and loving. Joseph engaged fully with his internal conflict, incorporating both God and Mary in his decision-making process. His situation required a deliberate choice to act beyond the rules, swallowing pride and focusing on Mary’s welfare.
Embracing Mystery and Meaning
What truly defines Joseph’s narrative is his willingness to integrate God into his decisions. He opted for obedience despite misunderstanding his circumstances, embodying a rational demeanor intertwined with an embrace of life’s mysteries. I admire how Joseph, without any plan to be part of such a divine narrative, opened himself up to this path.
The Lessons of Faith
The story calls us to be like Joseph and Mary, or the shepherds who responded to God’s call with open hearts. It encourages us to break from tradition if needed, opening a pathway for God’s plans which transcend our predictions.
Reflecting on the people from Nazareth who were too fixated on the ordinary, I see a cautionary tale. We risk missing divine guidance by clinging too tightly to control. Yet, I am convinced there’s a vital place for coordinated plans while remaining receptive to unexpected divine opportunities.
Honoring the Call
In every era, we need new Marys and Josephs, visionaries willing to both wrestle and dance with God, adjusting their trajectories as called upon. Joseph of old was just such a person—human, rational, and open—yet exemplary in faith. In accepting his destiny, he exemplifies the strength found in aligning ourselves with a greater purpose.
Joseph’s story teaches me that faith transcends logic, offering a means to navigate life’s unknowns with confidence and grace. His resolve not only changed his life but continues to inspire countless believers, reminding them that divine guidance is always within reach if we, too, are willing to listen and act.
While Old Testament theology tied sickness to punishment for sin, Jesus healed and forgave, thereby allowing the healed to attend worship… St Paul’s walk from pharisee to apostle epitomized this transition in our understanding of God’s will.
Some years ago, I embarked on a guided tour advertised as a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul. These trips can be quite enlightening, providing opportunities to explore places you might not otherwise visit. However, they also come with the caveat of not being able to choose your fellow travelers.
A Journey through History
Our tour commenced in Athens, where we were shuttled to prominent tourist sites before being dropped at the foot of the Acropolis. Ascending to the top, we were met by an English guide who launched into the history of the Parthenon. Her introduction included practical advice: no stone souvenirs, as millions visit annually.
The Parthenon began construction over 400 years before Christ. St. Paul visited, as a tourist. It had also functioned as a mosque and later as a Turkish army ammunition depot, which exploded in 1687. What we see today, is a reconstruction. We observed the marble restoration work—pristine white from repairs, slowly darkening from natural exposure.
The Lesson of Listening
Before we explored further, our guide opened for questions. Predictably, someone asked if pollution darkened the marble, disregarding her previous explanation. When the tour guide finished her answer and turned, the lady who asked the pollution question picked up a stone and put it in her purse.
This incident mirrored a broader human flaw: hearing without truly listening. Reflecting on those who thronged to John the Baptist at the Jordan River, they heard him heralding the Messiah while missing his true message of spiritual transformation.
John’s Expectations vs. Jesus’ Reality
John the Baptist, with his vivid preaching, conceived of the coming Messiah as a figure of fierce justice. Jesus, however, revealed himself differently—welcoming children, mingling with societal outsiders, and embodying forgiving love in stark contrast to John’s firebrand outlook. This must have prompted John’s followers to question Jesus’ identity based on their mismatched expectations.
The Fulfillment of Promise
Upon returning from wilderness temptation, Jesus practically fulfilled prophecy with his reading from Isaiah, claiming the scripture had come true. He inaugurated a new era of healing and liberty, challenging the Old Testament’s association of sickness with sin. Jesus’ actions were manifestations of God’s healing power, breaking cultural barriers by restoring societal participation to sufferers through their healing.
Our Call to Heal
Reflecting on Jesus’ ministry, I see a profound call for us to embody the healing presence in the world. Through compassion and charity, we channel that divine mandate. Jesus reminded us that suffering is not a sin indicator but an invitation to enact God’s works.
Being Instruments of Restoration
As broken people yearning for wholeness, we understand God’s will for us: to engage actively in the healing of others, recognizing their afflictions as opportunities for grace. As we await Christ’s advent, the spirit that empowers us to bless, forgive, and heal is the same that dwells within Jesus.
Conclusion
This pilgrimage spurred reflection on our spiritual journey, urging gratitude for salvific love and the transformative potential it holds. Let us be God’s instruments, extending Christ-like compassion, proclaiming restoration through Jesus’ wounds. As we walk through this Advent season, may we remain steadfast in prayer for a spirit that aligns with Christ’s, embodying his compassion and hope.
In a world where Biblical themes often seep into our everyday speech, many have been misconstrued and lost their original meaning over time. Take, for example, the term “scapegoat.” Most people today associate it with someone bearing blame undeservingly. However, in its original Biblical sense, the scapegoat was the one released, not sacrificed.
The Voice in the Wilderness
Another common misinterpretation lies in the phrase “a voice crying in the wilderness.” Often used to describe someone advocating for an overlooked cause, the original expression is far from one of despair. Instead, in Biblical times, it was a triumphant heralding of the Jews’ return from exile in Babylon, symbolizing hope and moral challenge. This voice of triumph was echoed by John the Baptist in announcing the coming of Christ, delivering a message far deeper than merely gathering followers for a king—it was a call for repentance.
The Role of Repentance
The significance of repentance is so paramount that all four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, included John the Baptist’s call to repentance at the onset of their Gospels. This heralding served as a preparation for Christ’s message. As I reflect on this, it becomes clear to me that without understanding John’s call, we might fail to grasp the full scope of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus came preaching forgiveness, offering God’s amnesty before the establishment of His kingdom—something even I had to revisit to grasp fully.
Jesus and the Necessity of John’s Message
John the Baptist’s challenges are not to be underestimated. His message of repentance continues to be a permanent necessity within the Church. We need to recognize our sins, understanding that repentance is impossible without divine help. It is only then that Jesus’ offer of forgiveness becomes truly profound. Without this preparation, we might lose the richness of Jesus’ message that emphasizes God’s acceptance despite our shortcomings.
Repentance as Returning to Baptism
When I think of repentance now, I view it as a return to baptism—a renewal within the depths of our faith. It’s not purely a ritualistic act performed on Sundays at a font or altar, but rather, it’s a transformation transcending those settings, reawakening us to live for God’s kingdom daily. Each return to baptism signifies a rebirth, invigorating us with a refreshed mind ready to serve.
Living Repentance
John the Baptizer’s teachings remind us that repentance is not just a Jordan River event—it is one that we carry into every facet of life, whether at the hearth, the marketplace, or the everyday exchanges with others. True repentance means living this new life under Christ daily, reflecting our commitment through acts of selflessness and love.
A Gift to Be Thankful For
Repentance, I’ve come to understand, is a divine gift from God—a gift that opens our eyes to new perspectives, allowing us to give of ourselves to others. It’s a gesture of thanksgiving, not sorrow, that brings us eagerly to the altar, grateful for the chance to partake in this transformative gift.
With every step in reflection and action, I find myself in awe of this beautiful tradition of turning towards God, understanding repentance not just as a duty but as a cherished opportunity to continually renew and transform my life in a way that honors His grace.
Conclusion
Thanks be to God for this extraordinary gift of repentance—a gift that continually shapes us, molds us, and prepares us to embrace life with renewed vigor, self-awareness, and thankfulness. It’s a gift that I, and perhaps you too, didn’t know we needed but realize now how indispensable it truly is.
Today, we associate the word “king” with ostentatious spectacle: pageants, ceremonies, castles, and palaces. But Jesus was a king of service, suffering – and was without a home: whispers and nudges, not shows of wealth and great force. Yet his whispers are still changing lives today…
On this first Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves in a season of faithful hope, of expectant anticipation. Historically, this day was known as Stirrup Sunday, a time when the good housewife began preparing her Christmas puddings. However, the compilers of the Book of alternate services disrupted this quaint English custom by moving the date.
Although charming, this tradition prompts us to reflect beyond what we are anticipating, and instead, focus on who we are anticipating. This is the essence of Advent—a period of preparation not merely for Christmas festivities, but for the deeper gifts it offers.
Who Are We Anticipating?
The easy answer is that Advent prepares us for Christmas. However, we often claim that the gifts exchanged during this season symbolize something greater—the Child of Bethlehem, who brings gifts not of material worth but of grace. It is imperative that we prepare by reshaping our lives to demonstrate our worthiness.
The traditional gospel for today speaks of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem—an entrance that exemplifies anticipation. Yet, this anticipation was met with questions of identity, prompting us to dig deeper into the biblical narrative to truly understand who this Savior is.
Jesus, the Savior
The first thread in understanding who we are anticipating during Advent is the identity of this child as Jesus, understood to mean “savior.” Soon, we will hear the story from Matthew where Joseph is told about Mary’s child, who is named Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew also provides another name, Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” This is a declaration that God himself is coming as a Savior, one who does for others what they cannot do for themselves. Jesus’ arrival brings not a reward for our worthiness, but a covering for our manifest unworthiness. He releases us from the slavery of sin—a truth we acknowledge each Sunday in our confessions.
Jesus, the Servant King
A second thread identifies Jesus as a king, but not the kind anticipated in Jerusalem. “Behold, your king comes to you humble, mounted on a colt,” one who reigns not with worldly prestige but through humility and service. This is a king who was born in a cattle shed, entered Jerusalem on a donkey, and faced Roman crucifixion with the burden of the world’s whips.
His kingship is found in suffering service. Even Pilate recognized this and assigned him the title “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” In this king, highness is found in lowliness, strength in weakness, and victory in defeat.
Jesus, the Lord
Lastly, we explore Jesus’ understanding of his identity. While many called him a prophet, this title falls short of his true essence. Divine voices, demons, and Jesus himself acknowledged him as the Son of God, and he teaches us his lordship through actions done in saving love.
With supreme authority, he benefits others—to teach, heal, and save. As he declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” He grants forgiveness, freedom, and amnesty to those burdened by guilt, for he is Lord over all accused and accuser.
Preparing for His Coming
How then do we prepare for the coming of this Savior, Servant King, and Lord? First, not by attempting to prove our worth through resolutions, but by acknowledging what is wrong—a confession we perform every Sunday in worship. The Servant King equips us with objectives of peace and ways to achieve them.
We learn from Isaiah’s vision—transforming tools of war into instruments of peace. Such preparation also acknowledges our transition from people of the night to people of the day, as St. Paul describes. Behavioral changes, once impossible, now beckon us in the light of his arrival.
An Agenda Before Us
Our preparation for Advent must reflect our perception of who is coming. With trust in our Savior, recognition of the Servant King, and acceptance of our Lord, we prepare our hearts for the profound meaning of this season.
Advent invites us into a transformative journey, beginning with humble reflection and culminating in a renewed understanding of grace, service, and divine authority. This is the message I am entrusted to share, under the authority of the Lord himself.
Pilate’s inscription ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,’ Jesus’s crucifixion, and the mocking behaviour of those in authority, was meant to end Christianity before it started. But not even the most powerful state on the planet, can suppress news God wants humanity to hear…
That Pontius Pilate had the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” placed on the cross, only the Gospel of John captures this significant detail. Earlier gospels by Matthew, Mark, and Luke do not mention this inscription. It reminds me that sometimes, without realizing the deeper significance, people perform actions that carry monumental meanings. Pilate’s inscription, intended as a mockery, actually revealed a profound truth that even he may not have fully grasped.
A King in Humble Circumstances
The irony deepens as I consider how Jesus was mocked by soldiers, dressed as a king, which outwardly seemed a grotesque parody. And yet—there was a deeper significance at play. Pilate, intrigued by Jesus’ calm and gracious demeanor, might have appreciated this contrasts, seeing in Jesus something beyond a mere prisoner. For Christians, the irony lies in recognizing that Jesus, although crucified, indeed embodied the role of a true King. This makes me reflect on how expectations can be utterly overturned.
The True Kingship of Jesus
At Golgotha, Jesus answered the ultimate question of what kind of Messiah he would be—not through words but by actions. As one of the thieves beside him realized, Jesus could save others only by choosing not to save himself. Through His humility and suffering, Jesus revealed the essence of his kingship not with grandeur but through self-sacrifice. It is an inspiring image of leadership that doesn’t align with traditional notions of power.
The Cross as a Symbol of Glory
Over time, the cross has transformed from a symbol of shame to one of glory. It is fascinating to see how what was once reserved as a humiliating punishment has come to represent victory and hope in the Christian faith. At Calvary, Jesus took upon himself the burdens of humanity, converting a tool of disgrace into one of divine triumph. The cross now stands as a universal emblem of faith and redemption.
The Complexity of Life and Emulating Jesus
Many of us grapple with the complexities and uncertainties of life. I’ve noticed that people often feel bewildered by the challenges they face. I think one profound lesson we can take from Jesus is how he lived his life with purpose and direction, despite knowing the trials he would encounter. This determination was evident when he washed his disciples’ feet—a simple act that demonstrated profound humility and purpose.
Conclusion: Embracing Jesus’ Lessons
In reflecting upon these themes, I realize how Jesus’ life is a model of servitude and leadership intertwined. His statement, “Whoever would be chief among you, let him be a servant,” challenges us to align our lives with humility and purpose. As we consider what it means to be a true leader or follower, we can look to Jesus, who mastered both service and strength on the cross and in every action he undertook.
Thanks be to God for these truths that inspire us to live with purpose and embrace the depth of faith.
Feel persecuted and betrayed for sticking to your principles in a world that seems to reward deceit? I, for one, do not wish to live in a world where deceit rules. It’s disheartening to consider that even those closest to us, like friends or family members, might betray us. The Psalms remind us of this pain: even my own friend, whom I trusted, who shared my bread, has turned against me.
Hope Amid Trials
Amidst such turmoil, there is hope. This hope began with the prophecy of Isaiah, who spoke of new heavens and a new earth, where joy and delight would flourish. In this new Jerusalem, the righteous will thrive, planting and reaping their harvest, living in peace without fear of their work being taken by others. What joy it would be to call a house my own and to live in it without fear!
Recognizing the Beauty of Creation
We are witnesses to the Lord’s beautiful works, like the Northern Lights. I haven’t seen them in person, but they’re a reminder of God’s beauty around us. I believe our merciful God will not destroy these wonderful creations—we, as humans, are responsible for the destruction we’ve seen, from environmental damage to the treatment of animals. When given a piece of land, we must care for it, not destroy it. Like those who tend to vineyards, we must manage our resources carefully.
The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
Jesus warned us to be wary of false prophets. In His time, and even before, many claimed to be the Messiah. But we must discern the truth through our closeness to Him. Only when we are near to Jesus can we truly know Him. We must stand firm in this knowledge, enduring trials and persevering in our faith. Just because people may arrest or persecute us doesn’t mean we should forsake Christ. Our endurance will see us through, as promised.
Living for Christ Alone
Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Generations will come and go, but our faith must endure. In Christ’s name, every knee shall bow. Paul reminds us that, even as we await Christ’s return, we must continue our work—work that benefits our community and reflects our faith, until He comes again.
Endurance and Perseverance
Endurance and perseverance are key. People may question why we persist in our faith when it’s easier to indulge in worldly pleasures. Yet, Christ must come first in all things. I remember a story my father told me about conflicts arising over land and crop. We must concentrate on what is right, building and harvesting what we have sown, standing firm in faith to prevent petty conflicts from escalating into war.
Conclusion
In this tumultuous world, our help is in the name of the Lord. By enduring and persevering in His name, we plant and harvest in peace, living in a world of new hope and joy. Amen.
Since the first and second World Wars, wars have continued to plague our world.
I remember the Korean War from when I was a child, as well as the Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars. My own continent has witnessed countless conflicts, too many to count.
Yet, the picture says, “Lest We Forget.” What have we forgotten?
The Forgotten Temples and Battles
The prophet Hagai tells of a time following a war that destroyed Jerusalem. Some people have returned to Jerusalem and prospered from post-war commerce. They are blessed with wealth and comfort. They live in luxurious houses filled with gold and silver.
Yet, the temple destroyed in the war, remains untouched, its reconstruction forgotten.
God commanded through Hagai, reminding the people of the splendor of the house Solomon built—a place that drew visitors from far and wide.
Similarly, I ponder the destruction faced by my brothers and sisters in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
As they rebuild, will they forsake their forefathers’ houses, or will they strive to restore them to a splendor greater than before?
Remembering the Human Cost of War
Wars, wars, and more wars. As a musician once sang—was it Jimmy Cliff?—there’s war everywhere: east, west, south. It takes only two people to start a war.
The historical battles were often sparked by a handful, growing into world wars.
In my family’s history, the British came to Ghana, conscripted my uncles, and sent them to foreign lands to fight wars they knew nothing about. Some were killed, some returned, others returned but were changed forever—mad, as they said.
The battles persist, even within our own communities. As with the Sadducees who denied the resurrection, and the Pharisees who embraced it, we are riven by divisions that lead us too often to view others as evil to be wiped out, rather than as human beings created in the image of God who hold opinions with which we disagree.
The Resurrection Debate and Our Belief
In one notable incident, Paul, arrested and brought to trial, declared that his sole crime was his belief in the resurrection. This belief divided the panel of judges comprised of Sadducees and Pharisees, leading to his release.
It echoes in First Corinthians chapter 15, where Paul addressed such debates in Corinthians: “Now, if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection?”
These debates remain central to our faith. If Christ has not risen, then what basis do we have for our beliefs? Our faith declares that Christ lived, died, and was resurrected. Without resurrection, there is no Christianity, and we would be liars claiming Christ was never raised.
Human Loss and the Cost of Forgetting
As we commemorate Remembrance Day each year, we revisit the devastation of past wars—not just of buildings, but of human lives, irreplaceable and sacred.
In wars, those who are not fighting often suffer most, particularly women and children. We see similar tragedies in Gaza and Western Sudan, where these vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected.
Yet arms and weapons continue to flow, manufactured and bought elsewhere, perpetuating the cycle of violence among the beings created in God’s own image.
Our Role as Ambassadors of Peace
As ambassadors of reconciliation, it’s our responsibility not to exacerbate conflicts but to mediate and bring peace. When two or three people quarrel, it can escalate into something far worse. Our intervention should be for peace, not war.
Let us pray that God grants our leaders the memory of past horrors, guiding us away from further bloodshed and towards peace.
Conclusion: Remember and Forgive
On Remembrance Day, we honor those who have fallen, remembering not just the wars but the peace we are tasked with creating.
Our forefathers followed commands to fight; we must now follow a divine command to mend and heal.
By recalling the resurrection, we find purpose—accounting for our deeds, not in warfare but as peacemakers. As ambassadors for Christ, we are tasked with this holy mission.
In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Q: When Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” what did he intend you to do…
a) Embrace poverty as a route to the Kingdom.
b) Recognize all possessions belong to God; we should use the possessions under our control to further God’s mission
Spoiler Alert: I am not going to answer this question. Rather I will help you to apply the discernment the Holy Spirit has given you to answer such questions yourself.
The Call to Generosity and Discernment
Consider this: “If someone asks you for your coat, give the person what you’re wearing underneath.” How about when we do not have a coat to give in the first place? Jesus’ teachings challenge us to think deeper. “Blessed are we when we’re hungry now, for we will be filled” and the beatitudes in Matthew differ from Luke’s account, highlighting the diversity in interpreting these teachings. The essence lies in discernment.
Discernment, as Daniel once prayed for, is crucial. Daniel sought wisdom to understand the dreams that troubled him. As Christians, our ability to discern the workings of the Holy Spirit is vital. We need this discernment for our interactions, whether with our neighbors or our adversaries.
Facing Challenges with the Spirit’s Guidance
There are instances when the teachings seem daunting. Even the disciples voiced their difficulty with such teachings, yet we are endowed with the spirit of understanding and discernment. These are the tools God has bestowed upon us, crafted in His image with memory, reason, and skill guiding our path.
Living as Modern-Day Saints
Today, as we talk about saints, it is essential to appreciate those who have gone before us—Peter, James, John, the saints we’ve learned about. But sainthood isn’t just in the past or reserved for the beatified. My mother, for instance, embodied saintly qualities. Despite living among various families, she ensured every child was fed, exemplifying true selflessness and dedication.
Our inheritance from the ancient Christians includes the spirit to persevere through insults and persecutions. If faced with adversity, Jesus’ advice was to endure or move on, yet to never forsake the mission of preaching and embodying His teachings.
Our Spiritual Heritage
Brothers and sisters, sainthood is not exclusive. We are saints by the spirit passed down to us. The Lord’s gifts are ours to cherish and nurture. They cannot be taken away except by the Lord Himself. We stand on the shoulders of those who walked before us, endowed with their spirit.
Conclusion: A Prayer for Perseverance
I pray that God grants us the fortitude to walk in the footprints of these saints, enduring every trial as they did. May we persevere and, on the last day, be raised with them to enjoy the kingdom of God.
In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Amen.
sermon by Theo Ipema, Jan 11th
Today, we associate the word “king” with ostentatious spectacle: pageants, ceremonies, castles, and palaces. But Jesus was a king of service, suffering – and was without a home: whispers and nudges, not shows of wealth and great force. Yet his whispers are still changing lives today…