Sermon – 08-07-22 – Proper 14 – Cycle C
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 [Matthew 6:33]
Sermon Title: “By Faith”

We used part of Psalm 33 as our Call to Worship today. I would like to read more of Psalm 33.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

CEV
But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Song by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness: And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

“By Faith”

We belong in many groups: family, church, work, recreation, civic . . . If we participate in a group we hope we are welcome and we try to keep the group to what we consider to be “good.” Some of our groups are automatic and we have not much choice such as the family into which we have been born. Some groups are by choice such as church and recreation. If we are born in the United States we automatically become U.S. citizens. In many ways that is a privilege. In many ways it is a responsibility. We want to keep it good. We believe that God wants us to keep whatever group we are in good. If we give ourselves a grade for the goodness of our country, what grade would we give? I invite you to step back and take a look at the WORLD in which the United States exists.

Imagine a world where boundaries stay firmly fixed with no wars to change the boundaries. Better still, imagine a world where there are no boundaries. Everyone is content. Everyone has “enough.” Jealousy does not exist. Every action is based on “How can I help you?”

Do you know the word Eutopia (spell) or Utopia (spell)? The definition is “a country of ideal felicity and perfection.” So what does felicity mean? Felicity means intense happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, rapture.

Or another meaning of felicity is “the ability to find appropriate expression for one’s thoughts: “speech that pleases by its accuracy and fluency,” eloquence, aptness, appropriateness, appropriacy, suitability.

If we believe that God created our world – and of course I do – why did he not arrange for this kind of relationship among the inhabitants with no need for governance? Now you are probably ready to raise your hand or call out that God did create that kind of world. We have the story of Adam and Eve and their idyllic setting. We find ourselves putting all the blame on Eve and secondarily on Adam. We say they are the cause of the world of hard work and strife in which we live.

I propose something else. God gives each of us talents and brains. Some brains are straight-line thinkers such that engineers and mathematicians have. Some brains work in circles, such as artists, authors, actors, musicians. These are creative thinkers. It takes both kinds to solve problems, to dream what could be. I also believe that God plants a spiritual nugget in each developing fetus. WE COULD BE USING THESE GIFTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING OUR COUNTRY.

If nothing interfered with the wholesome development of each person, we would indeed live in a Utopia. We would be wallowing in felicity – happiness and the ability to express ourselves in a loving, helpful way. Alas, we find all kinds of interference from the time we are born and through our formation into our own unique personality – sometimes wonderfully, sometimes horribly.

However, it is never too late to change our attitudes and behaviors. But, how will we know how to change. We can pray and seek God’s guidance and be moldable. God has provided models for us. The true prophets in the Bible are models. Who are models in our lifetimes? Let us be careful as we determine good models. Some models could lead us astray. Who is a model in your own life? A person who is genuinely kind and helpful. A person who struggled through adversity and held on to God’s lifeline of safety and wisdom. A person who will go to great lengths to help you. These persons are the “great cloud of witnesses” that we have in our Hebrews lesson today. The woman on the bulletin cover is one such person.

How tied to the sins of Adam and Eve do you think we are? Do you not think that our confession of sins breaks that tie? I believe that each time we are forgiven we are transported beyond the captivity of sin – either ours or our ancestors. It is in this “free” zone that we can use our God-given abilities to bring peace and order to this world.

Just think of a United States of America where elected and appointed officials think and discuss and vote solely on what is good for the country and the inhabitants; ways of governing so that everyone is a winner one way or the other. We cannot allow ourselves to sit back and complain or even take part in the divisions and the evil. We must seek God’s way. We must claim our faith in God’s plan and God’s actions. Faith is not an empty word. Faith is an action word. It is alive! By faith we can seek God’s will, we can be steadfast, just as God’s love is steadfast. Picture the United States of America as a loving, kind mass of people and then let us pray and work and live to make it happen. We are citizens of God’s earthly kingdom and we live in the United States of America. Let goodness and freedom ring!

What is faith? From Hebrews 11: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Our faith shall not be in artillery and missiles. Our faith shall not be in divided political parties. Our faith shall be in God and what God can do through us. If Jesus came today, would he be pleased? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given unto you . . . Amen.

Sermon – 08-07-22 – Proper 14 – Cycle C
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 [Matthew 6:33]
Sermon Title: “By Faith”

We used part of Psalm 33 as our Call to Worship today. I would like to read more of Psalm 33.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

CEV
But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Song by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness: And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

“By Faith”

We belong in many groups: family, church, work, recreation, civic . . . If we participate in a group we hope we are welcome and we try to keep the group to what we consider to be “good.” Some of our groups are automatic and we have not much choice such as the family into which we have been born. Some groups are by choice such as church and recreation. If we are born in the United States we automatically become U.S. citizens. In many ways that is a privilege. In many ways it is a responsibility. We want to keep it good. We believe that God wants us to keep whatever group we are in good. If we give ourselves a grade for the goodness of our country, what grade would we give? I invite you to step back and take a look at the WORLD in which the United States exists.

Imagine a world where boundaries stay firmly fixed with no wars to change the boundaries. Better still, imagine a world where there are no boundaries. Everyone is content. Everyone has “enough.” Jealousy does not exist. Every action is based on “How can I help you?”

Do you know the word Eutopia (spell) or Utopia (spell)? The definition is “a country of ideal felicity and perfection.” So what does felicity mean? Felicity means intense happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, rapture.

Or another meaning of felicity is “the ability to find appropriate expression for one’s thoughts: “speech that pleases by its accuracy and fluency,” eloquence, aptness, appropriateness, appropriacy, suitability.

If we believe that God created our world – and of course I do – why did he not arrange for this kind of relationship among the inhabitants with no need for governance? Now you are probably ready to raise your hand or call out that God did create that kind of world. We have the story of Adam and Eve and their idyllic setting. We find ourselves putting all the blame on Eve and secondarily on Adam. We say they are the cause of the world of hard work and strife in which we live.

I propose something else. God gives each of us talents and brains. Some brains are straight-line thinkers such that engineers and mathematicians have. Some brains work in circles, such as artists, authors, actors, musicians. These are creative thinkers. It takes both kinds to solve problems, to dream what could be. I also believe that God plants a spiritual nugget in each developing fetus. WE COULD BE USING THESE GIFTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING OUR COUNTRY.

If nothing interfered with the wholesome development of each person, we would indeed live in a Utopia. We would be wallowing in felicity – happiness and the ability to express ourselves in a loving, helpful way. Alas, we find all kinds of interference from the time we are born and through our formation into our own unique personality – sometimes wonderfully, sometimes horribly.

However, it is never too late to change our attitudes and behaviors. But, how will we know how to change. We can pray and seek God’s guidance and be moldable. God has provided models for us. The true prophets in the Bible are models. Who are models in our lifetimes? Let us be careful as we determine good models. Some models could lead us astray. Who is a model in your own life? A person who is genuinely kind and helpful. A person who struggled through adversity and held on to God’s lifeline of safety and wisdom. A person who will go to great lengths to help you. These persons are the “great cloud of witnesses” that we have in our Hebrews lesson today. The woman on the bulletin cover is one such person.

How tied to the sins of Adam and Eve do you think we are? Do you not think that our confession of sins breaks that tie? I believe that each time we are forgiven we are transported beyond the captivity of sin – either ours or our ancestors. It is in this “free” zone that we can use our God-given abilities to bring peace and order to this world.

Just think of a United States of America where elected and appointed officials think and discuss and vote solely on what is good for the country and the inhabitants; ways of governing so that everyone is a winner one way or the other. We cannot allow ourselves to sit back and complain or even take part in the divisions and the evil. We must seek God’s way. We must claim our faith in God’s plan and God’s actions. Faith is not an empty word. Faith is an action word. It is alive! By faith we can seek God’s will, we can be steadfast, just as God’s love is steadfast. Picture the United States of America as a loving, kind mass of people and then let us pray and work and live to make it happen. We are citizens of God’s earthly kingdom and we live in the United States of America. Let goodness and freedom ring!

What is faith? From Hebrews 11: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Our faith shall not be in artillery and missiles. Our faith shall not be in divided political parties. Our faith shall be in God and what God can do through us. If Jesus came today, would he be pleased? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given unto you . . . Amen.

Sermon – 08-07-22 – Proper 14 – Cycle C
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 [Matthew 6:33]
Sermon Title: “By Faith”

We used part of Psalm 33 as our Call to Worship today. I would like to read more of Psalm 33.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

CEV
But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Song by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness: And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

“By Faith”

We belong in many groups: family, church, work, recreation, civic . . . If we participate in a group we hope we are welcome and we try to keep the group to what we consider to be “good.” Some of our groups are automatic and we have not much choice such as the family into which we have been born. Some groups are by choice such as church and recreation. If we are born in the United States we automatically become U.S. citizens. In many ways that is a privilege. In many ways it is a responsibility. We want to keep it good. We believe that God wants us to keep whatever group we are in good. If we give ourselves a grade for the goodness of our country, what grade would we give? I invite you to step back and take a look at the WORLD in which the United States exists.

Imagine a world where boundaries stay firmly fixed with no wars to change the boundaries. Better still, imagine a world where there are no boundaries. Everyone is content. Everyone has “enough.” Jealousy does not exist. Every action is based on “How can I help you?”

Do you know the word Eutopia (spell) or Utopia (spell)? The definition is “a country of ideal felicity and perfection.” So what does felicity mean? Felicity means intense happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, rapture.

Or another meaning of felicity is “the ability to find appropriate expression for one’s thoughts: “speech that pleases by its accuracy and fluency,” eloquence, aptness, appropriateness, appropriacy, suitability.

If we believe that God created our world – and of course I do – why did he not arrange for this kind of relationship among the inhabitants with no need for governance? Now you are probably ready to raise your hand or call out that God did create that kind of world. We have the story of Adam and Eve and their idyllic setting. We find ourselves putting all the blame on Eve and secondarily on Adam. We say they are the cause of the world of hard work and strife in which we live.

I propose something else. God gives each of us talents and brains. Some brains are straight-line thinkers such that engineers and mathematicians have. Some brains work in circles, such as artists, authors, actors, musicians. These are creative thinkers. It takes both kinds to solve problems, to dream what could be. I also believe that God plants a spiritual nugget in each developing fetus. WE COULD BE USING THESE GIFTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING OUR COUNTRY.

If nothing interfered with the wholesome development of each person, we would indeed live in a Utopia. We would be wallowing in felicity – happiness and the ability to express ourselves in a loving, helpful way. Alas, we find all kinds of interference from the time we are born and through our formation into our own unique personality – sometimes wonderfully, sometimes horribly.

However, it is never too late to change our attitudes and behaviors. But, how will we know how to change. We can pray and seek God’s guidance and be moldable. God has provided models for us. The true prophets in the Bible are models. Who are models in our lifetimes? Let us be careful as we determine good models. Some models could lead us astray. Who is a model in your own life? A person who is genuinely kind and helpful. A person who struggled through adversity and held on to God’s lifeline of safety and wisdom. A person who will go to great lengths to help you. These persons are the “great cloud of witnesses” that we have in our Hebrews lesson today. The woman on the bulletin cover is one such person.

How tied to the sins of Adam and Eve do you think we are? Do you not think that our confession of sins breaks that tie? I believe that each time we are forgiven we are transported beyond the captivity of sin – either ours or our ancestors. It is in this “free” zone that we can use our God-given abilities to bring peace and order to this world.

Just think of a United States of America where elected and appointed officials think and discuss and vote solely on what is good for the country and the inhabitants; ways of governing so that everyone is a winner one way or the other. We cannot allow ourselves to sit back and complain or even take part in the divisions and the evil. We must seek God’s way. We must claim our faith in God’s plan and God’s actions. Faith is not an empty word. Faith is an action word. It is alive! By faith we can seek God’s will, we can be steadfast, just as God’s love is steadfast. Picture the United States of America as a loving, kind mass of people and then let us pray and work and live to make it happen. We are citizens of God’s earthly kingdom and we live in the United States of America. Let goodness and freedom ring!

What is faith? From Hebrews 11: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Our faith shall not be in artillery and missiles. Our faith shall not be in divided political parties. Our faith shall be in God and what God can do through us. If Jesus came today, would he be pleased? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given unto you . . . Amen.

Sermon – 08-07-22 – Proper 14 – Cycle C
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 [Matthew 6:33]
Sermon Title: “By Faith”

We used part of Psalm 33 as our Call to Worship today. I would like to read more of Psalm 33.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

CEV
But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Song by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness: And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

“By Faith”

We belong in many groups: family, church, work, recreation, civic . . . If we participate in a group we hope we are welcome and we try to keep the group to what we consider to be “good.” Some of our groups are automatic and we have not much choice such as the family into which we have been born. Some groups are by choice such as church and recreation. If we are born in the United States we automatically become U.S. citizens. In many ways that is a privilege. In many ways it is a responsibility. We want to keep it good. We believe that God wants us to keep whatever group we are in good. If we give ourselves a grade for the goodness of our country, what grade would we give? I invite you to step back and take a look at the WORLD in which the United States exists.

Imagine a world where boundaries stay firmly fixed with no wars to change the boundaries. Better still, imagine a world where there are no boundaries. Everyone is content. Everyone has “enough.” Jealousy does not exist. Every action is based on “How can I help you?”

Do you know the word Eutopia (spell) or Utopia (spell)? The definition is “a country of ideal felicity and perfection.” So what does felicity mean? Felicity means intense happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, rapture.

Or another meaning of felicity is “the ability to find appropriate expression for one’s thoughts: “speech that pleases by its accuracy and fluency,” eloquence, aptness, appropriateness, appropriacy, suitability.

If we believe that God created our world – and of course I do – why did he not arrange for this kind of relationship among the inhabitants with no need for governance? Now you are probably ready to raise your hand or call out that God did create that kind of world. We have the story of Adam and Eve and their idyllic setting. We find ourselves putting all the blame on Eve and secondarily on Adam. We say they are the cause of the world of hard work and strife in which we live.

I propose something else. God gives each of us talents and brains. Some brains are straight-line thinkers such that engineers and mathematicians have. Some brains work in circles, such as artists, authors, actors, musicians. These are creative thinkers. It takes both kinds to solve problems, to dream what could be. I also believe that God plants a spiritual nugget in each developing fetus. WE COULD BE USING THESE GIFTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING OUR COUNTRY.

If nothing interfered with the wholesome development of each person, we would indeed live in a Utopia. We would be wallowing in felicity – happiness and the ability to express ourselves in a loving, helpful way. Alas, we find all kinds of interference from the time we are born and through our formation into our own unique personality – sometimes wonderfully, sometimes horribly.

However, it is never too late to change our attitudes and behaviors. But, how will we know how to change. We can pray and seek God’s guidance and be moldable. God has provided models for us. The true prophets in the Bible are models. Who are models in our lifetimes? Let us be careful as we determine good models. Some models could lead us astray. Who is a model in your own life? A person who is genuinely kind and helpful. A person who struggled through adversity and held on to God’s lifeline of safety and wisdom. A person who will go to great lengths to help you. These persons are the “great cloud of witnesses” that we have in our Hebrews lesson today. The woman on the bulletin cover is one such person.

How tied to the sins of Adam and Eve do you think we are? Do you not think that our confession of sins breaks that tie? I believe that each time we are forgiven we are transported beyond the captivity of sin – either ours or our ancestors. It is in this “free” zone that we can use our God-given abilities to bring peace and order to this world.

Just think of a United States of America where elected and appointed officials think and discuss and vote solely on what is good for the country and the inhabitants; ways of governing so that everyone is a winner one way or the other. We cannot allow ourselves to sit back and complain or even take part in the divisions and the evil. We must seek God’s way. We must claim our faith in God’s plan and God’s actions. Faith is not an empty word. Faith is an action word. It is alive! By faith we can seek God’s will, we can be steadfast, just as God’s love is steadfast. Picture the United States of America as a loving, kind mass of people and then let us pray and work and live to make it happen. We are citizens of God’s earthly kingdom and we live in the United States of America. Let goodness and freedom ring!

What is faith? From Hebrews 11: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Our faith shall not be in artillery and missiles. Our faith shall not be in divided political parties. Our faith shall be in God and what God can do through us. If Jesus came today, would he be pleased? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given unto you . . . Amen.

Sermon – 08-07-22 – Proper 14 – Cycle C
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 [Matthew 6:33]
Sermon Title: “By Faith”

We used part of Psalm 33 as our Call to Worship today. I would like to read more of Psalm 33.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

CEV
But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Song by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness: And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

“By Faith”

We belong in many groups: family, church, work, recreation, civic . . . If we participate in a group we hope we are welcome and we try to keep the group to what we consider to be “good.” Some of our groups are automatic and we have not much choice such as the family into which we have been born. Some groups are by choice such as church and recreation. If we are born in the United States we automatically become U.S. citizens. In many ways that is a privilege. In many ways it is a responsibility. We want to keep it good. We believe that God wants us to keep whatever group we are in good. If we give ourselves a grade for the goodness of our country, what grade would we give? I invite you to step back and take a look at the WORLD in which the United States exists.

Imagine a world where boundaries stay firmly fixed with no wars to change the boundaries. Better still, imagine a world where there are no boundaries. Everyone is content. Everyone has “enough.” Jealousy does not exist. Every action is based on “How can I help you?”

Do you know the word Eutopia (spell) or Utopia (spell)? The definition is “a country of ideal felicity and perfection.” So what does felicity mean? Felicity means intense happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, rapture.

Or another meaning of felicity is “the ability to find appropriate expression for one’s thoughts: “speech that pleases by its accuracy and fluency,” eloquence, aptness, appropriateness, appropriacy, suitability.

If we believe that God created our world – and of course I do – why did he not arrange for this kind of relationship among the inhabitants with no need for governance? Now you are probably ready to raise your hand or call out that God did create that kind of world. We have the story of Adam and Eve and their idyllic setting. We find ourselves putting all the blame on Eve and secondarily on Adam. We say they are the cause of the world of hard work and strife in which we live.

I propose something else. God gives each of us talents and brains. Some brains are straight-line thinkers such that engineers and mathematicians have. Some brains work in circles, such as artists, authors, actors, musicians. These are creative thinkers. It takes both kinds to solve problems, to dream what could be. I also believe that God plants a spiritual nugget in each developing fetus. WE COULD BE USING THESE GIFTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING OUR COUNTRY.

If nothing interfered with the wholesome development of each person, we would indeed live in a Utopia. We would be wallowing in felicity – happiness and the ability to express ourselves in a loving, helpful way. Alas, we find all kinds of interference from the time we are born and through our formation into our own unique personality – sometimes wonderfully, sometimes horribly.

However, it is never too late to change our attitudes and behaviors. But, how will we know how to change. We can pray and seek God’s guidance and be moldable. God has provided models for us. The true prophets in the Bible are models. Who are models in our lifetimes? Let us be careful as we determine good models. Some models could lead us astray. Who is a model in your own life? A person who is genuinely kind and helpful. A person who struggled through adversity and held on to God’s lifeline of safety and wisdom. A person who will go to great lengths to help you. These persons are the “great cloud of witnesses” that we have in our Hebrews lesson today. The woman on the bulletin cover is one such person.

How tied to the sins of Adam and Eve do you think we are? Do you not think that our confession of sins breaks that tie? I believe that each time we are forgiven we are transported beyond the captivity of sin – either ours or our ancestors. It is in this “free” zone that we can use our God-given abilities to bring peace and order to this world.

Just think of a United States of America where elected and appointed officials think and discuss and vote solely on what is good for the country and the inhabitants; ways of governing so that everyone is a winner one way or the other. We cannot allow ourselves to sit back and complain or even take part in the divisions and the evil. We must seek God’s way. We must claim our faith in God’s plan and God’s actions. Faith is not an empty word. Faith is an action word. It is alive! By faith we can seek God’s will, we can be steadfast, just as God’s love is steadfast. Picture the United States of America as a loving, kind mass of people and then let us pray and work and live to make it happen. We are citizens of God’s earthly kingdom and we live in the United States of America. Let goodness and freedom ring!

What is faith? From Hebrews 11: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Our faith shall not be in artillery and missiles. Our faith shall not be in divided political parties. Our faith shall be in God and what God can do through us. If Jesus came today, would he be pleased? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given unto you . . . Amen.

Sermon – 08-07-22 – Proper 14 – Cycle C
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 [Matthew 6:33]
Sermon Title: “By Faith”

We used part of Psalm 33 as our Call to Worship today. I would like to read more of Psalm 33.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

CEV
But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Song by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness: And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

“By Faith”

We belong in many groups: family, church, work, recreation, civic . . . If we participate in a group we hope we are welcome and we try to keep the group to what we consider to be “good.” Some of our groups are automatic and we have not much choice such as the family into which we have been born. Some groups are by choice such as church and recreation. If we are born in the United States we automatically become U.S. citizens. In many ways that is a privilege. In many ways it is a responsibility. We want to keep it good. We believe that God wants us to keep whatever group we are in good. If we give ourselves a grade for the goodness of our country, what grade would we give? I invite you to step back and take a look at the WORLD in which the United States exists.

Imagine a world where boundaries stay firmly fixed with no wars to change the boundaries. Better still, imagine a world where there are no boundaries. Everyone is content. Everyone has “enough.” Jealousy does not exist. Every action is based on “How can I help you?”

Do you know the word Eutopia (spell) or Utopia (spell)? The definition is “a country of ideal felicity and perfection.” So what does felicity mean? Felicity means intense happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, rapture.

Or another meaning of felicity is “the ability to find appropriate expression for one’s thoughts: “speech that pleases by its accuracy and fluency,” eloquence, aptness, appropriateness, appropriacy, suitability.

If we believe that God created our world – and of course I do – why did he not arrange for this kind of relationship among the inhabitants with no need for governance? Now you are probably ready to raise your hand or call out that God did create that kind of world. We have the story of Adam and Eve and their idyllic setting. We find ourselves putting all the blame on Eve and secondarily on Adam. We say they are the cause of the world of hard work and strife in which we live.

I propose something else. God gives each of us talents and brains. Some brains are straight-line thinkers such that engineers and mathematicians have. Some brains work in circles, such as artists, authors, actors, musicians. These are creative thinkers. It takes both kinds to solve problems, to dream what could be. I also believe that God plants a spiritual nugget in each developing fetus. WE COULD BE USING THESE GIFTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING OUR COUNTRY.

If nothing interfered with the wholesome development of each person, we would indeed live in a Utopia. We would be wallowing in felicity – happiness and the ability to express ourselves in a loving, helpful way. Alas, we find all kinds of interference from the time we are born and through our formation into our own unique personality – sometimes wonderfully, sometimes horribly.

However, it is never too late to change our attitudes and behaviors. But, how will we know how to change. We can pray and seek God’s guidance and be moldable. God has provided models for us. The true prophets in the Bible are models. Who are models in our lifetimes? Let us be careful as we determine good models. Some models could lead us astray. Who is a model in your own life? A person who is genuinely kind and helpful. A person who struggled through adversity and held on to God’s lifeline of safety and wisdom. A person who will go to great lengths to help you. These persons are the “great cloud of witnesses” that we have in our Hebrews lesson today. The woman on the bulletin cover is one such person.

How tied to the sins of Adam and Eve do you think we are? Do you not think that our confession of sins breaks that tie? I believe that each time we are forgiven we are transported beyond the captivity of sin – either ours or our ancestors. It is in this “free” zone that we can use our God-given abilities to bring peace and order to this world.

Just think of a United States of America where elected and appointed officials think and discuss and vote solely on what is good for the country and the inhabitants; ways of governing so that everyone is a winner one way or the other. We cannot allow ourselves to sit back and complain or even take part in the divisions and the evil. We must seek God’s way. We must claim our faith in God’s plan and God’s actions. Faith is not an empty word. Faith is an action word. It is alive! By faith we can seek God’s will, we can be steadfast, just as God’s love is steadfast. Picture the United States of America as a loving, kind mass of people and then let us pray and work and live to make it happen. We are citizens of God’s earthly kingdom and we live in the United States of America. Let goodness and freedom ring!

What is faith? From Hebrews 11: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Our faith shall not be in artillery and missiles. Our faith shall not be in divided political parties. Our faith shall be in God and what God can do through us. If Jesus came today, would he be pleased? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given unto you . . . Amen.

Sermon – 08-07-22 – Proper 14 – Cycle C
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 [Matthew 6:33]
Sermon Title: “By Faith”

We used part of Psalm 33 as our Call to Worship today. I would like to read more of Psalm 33.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

CEV
But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Song by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness: And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

“By Faith”

We belong in many groups: family, church, work, recreation, civic . . . If we participate in a group we hope we are welcome and we try to keep the group to what we consider to be “good.” Some of our groups are automatic and we have not much choice such as the family into which we have been born. Some groups are by choice such as church and recreation. If we are born in the United States we automatically become U.S. citizens. In many ways that is a privilege. In many ways it is a responsibility. We want to keep it good. We believe that God wants us to keep whatever group we are in good. If we give ourselves a grade for the goodness of our country, what grade would we give? I invite you to step back and take a look at the WORLD in which the United States exists.

Imagine a world where boundaries stay firmly fixed with no wars to change the boundaries. Better still, imagine a world where there are no boundaries. Everyone is content. Everyone has “enough.” Jealousy does not exist. Every action is based on “How can I help you?”

Do you know the word Eutopia (spell) or Utopia (spell)? The definition is “a country of ideal felicity and perfection.” So what does felicity mean? Felicity means intense happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, rapture.

Or another meaning of felicity is “the ability to find appropriate expression for one’s thoughts: “speech that pleases by its accuracy and fluency,” eloquence, aptness, appropriateness, appropriacy, suitability.

If we believe that God created our world – and of course I do – why did he not arrange for this kind of relationship among the inhabitants with no need for governance? Now you are probably ready to raise your hand or call out that God did create that kind of world. We have the story of Adam and Eve and their idyllic setting. We find ourselves putting all the blame on Eve and secondarily on Adam. We say they are the cause of the world of hard work and strife in which we live.

I propose something else. God gives each of us talents and brains. Some brains are straight-line thinkers such that engineers and mathematicians have. Some brains work in circles, such as artists, authors, actors, musicians. These are creative thinkers. It takes both kinds to solve problems, to dream what could be. I also believe that God plants a spiritual nugget in each developing fetus. WE COULD BE USING THESE GIFTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING OUR COUNTRY.

If nothing interfered with the wholesome development of each person, we would indeed live in a Utopia. We would be wallowing in felicity – happiness and the ability to express ourselves in a loving, helpful way. Alas, we find all kinds of interference from the time we are born and through our formation into our own unique personality – sometimes wonderfully, sometimes horribly.

However, it is never too late to change our attitudes and behaviors. But, how will we know how to change. We can pray and seek God’s guidance and be moldable. God has provided models for us. The true prophets in the Bible are models. Who are models in our lifetimes? Let us be careful as we determine good models. Some models could lead us astray. Who is a model in your own life? A person who is genuinely kind and helpful. A person who struggled through adversity and held on to God’s lifeline of safety and wisdom. A person who will go to great lengths to help you. These persons are the “great cloud of witnesses” that we have in our Hebrews lesson today. The woman on the bulletin cover is one such person.

How tied to the sins of Adam and Eve do you think we are? Do you not think that our confession of sins breaks that tie? I believe that each time we are forgiven we are transported beyond the captivity of sin – either ours or our ancestors. It is in this “free” zone that we can use our God-given abilities to bring peace and order to this world.

Just think of a United States of America where elected and appointed officials think and discuss and vote solely on what is good for the country and the inhabitants; ways of governing so that everyone is a winner one way or the other. We cannot allow ourselves to sit back and complain or even take part in the divisions and the evil. We must seek God’s way. We must claim our faith in God’s plan and God’s actions. Faith is not an empty word. Faith is an action word. It is alive! By faith we can seek God’s will, we can be steadfast, just as God’s love is steadfast. Picture the United States of America as a loving, kind mass of people and then let us pray and work and live to make it happen. We are citizens of God’s earthly kingdom and we live in the United States of America. Let goodness and freedom ring!

What is faith? From Hebrews 11: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Our faith shall not be in artillery and missiles. Our faith shall not be in divided political parties. Our faith shall be in God and what God can do through us. If Jesus came today, would he be pleased? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given unto you . . . Amen.

Sermon – 08-07-22 – Proper 14 – Cycle C
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 [Matthew 6:33]
Sermon Title: “By Faith”

We used part of Psalm 33 as our Call to Worship today. I would like to read more of Psalm 33.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

CEV
But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Song by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness: And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

“By Faith”

We belong in many groups: family, church, work, recreation, civic . . . If we participate in a group we hope we are welcome and we try to keep the group to what we consider to be “good.” Some of our groups are automatic and we have not much choice such as the family into which we have been born. Some groups are by choice such as church and recreation. If we are born in the United States we automatically become U.S. citizens. In many ways that is a privilege. In many ways it is a responsibility. We want to keep it good. We believe that God wants us to keep whatever group we are in good. If we give ourselves a grade for the goodness of our country, what grade would we give? I invite you to step back and take a look at the WORLD in which the United States exists.

Imagine a world where boundaries stay firmly fixed with no wars to change the boundaries. Better still, imagine a world where there are no boundaries. Everyone is content. Everyone has “enough.” Jealousy does not exist. Every action is based on “How can I help you?”

Do you know the word Eutopia (spell) or Utopia (spell)? The definition is “a country of ideal felicity and perfection.” So what does felicity mean? Felicity means intense happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, rapture.

Or another meaning of felicity is “the ability to find appropriate expression for one’s thoughts: “speech that pleases by its accuracy and fluency,” eloquence, aptness, appropriateness, appropriacy, suitability.

If we believe that God created our world – and of course I do – why did he not arrange for this kind of relationship among the inhabitants with no need for governance? Now you are probably ready to raise your hand or call out that God did create that kind of world. We have the story of Adam and Eve and their idyllic setting. We find ourselves putting all the blame on Eve and secondarily on Adam. We say they are the cause of the world of hard work and strife in which we live.

I propose something else. God gives each of us talents and brains. Some brains are straight-line thinkers such that engineers and mathematicians have. Some brains work in circles, such as artists, authors, actors, musicians. These are creative thinkers. It takes both kinds to solve problems, to dream what could be. I also believe that God plants a spiritual nugget in each developing fetus. WE COULD BE USING THESE GIFTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING OUR COUNTRY.

If nothing interfered with the wholesome development of each person, we would indeed live in a Utopia. We would be wallowing in felicity – happiness and the ability to express ourselves in a loving, helpful way. Alas, we find all kinds of interference from the time we are born and through our formation into our own unique personality – sometimes wonderfully, sometimes horribly.

However, it is never too late to change our attitudes and behaviors. But, how will we know how to change. We can pray and seek God’s guidance and be moldable. God has provided models for us. The true prophets in the Bible are models. Who are models in our lifetimes? Let us be careful as we determine good models. Some models could lead us astray. Who is a model in your own life? A person who is genuinely kind and helpful. A person who struggled through adversity and held on to God’s lifeline of safety and wisdom. A person who will go to great lengths to help you. These persons are the “great cloud of witnesses” that we have in our Hebrews lesson today. The woman on the bulletin cover is one such person.

How tied to the sins of Adam and Eve do you think we are? Do you not think that our confession of sins breaks that tie? I believe that each time we are forgiven we are transported beyond the captivity of sin – either ours or our ancestors. It is in this “free” zone that we can use our God-given abilities to bring peace and order to this world.

Just think of a United States of America where elected and appointed officials think and discuss and vote solely on what is good for the country and the inhabitants; ways of governing so that everyone is a winner one way or the other. We cannot allow ourselves to sit back and complain or even take part in the divisions and the evil. We must seek God’s way. We must claim our faith in God’s plan and God’s actions. Faith is not an empty word. Faith is an action word. It is alive! By faith we can seek God’s will, we can be steadfast, just as God’s love is steadfast. Picture the United States of America as a loving, kind mass of people and then let us pray and work and live to make it happen. We are citizens of God’s earthly kingdom and we live in the United States of America. Let goodness and freedom ring!

What is faith? From Hebrews 11: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Our faith shall not be in artillery and missiles. Our faith shall not be in divided political parties. Our faith shall be in God and what God can do through us. If Jesus came today, would he be pleased? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given unto you . . . Amen.