Romans 2:29 Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God.
A little circumcision with your morning email?
Of course, for us this has nothing to do with circumcision. But the concept still applies, I think. Because we still experience things like hypocrisy, things like people who live a life that's different from what they say about themselves. We still know the challenge of lining up our own life with our best choices. We still know the challenge of inward change to go along with the outward changes that sometimes come more easily.
Paul writes that God is more concerned with what's going on in the heart than with what's going on outside. Not that there is no concern with what's going on outside - it matters: but if it's done for the wrong motivation, with the wrong intent, with false pretenses, then God's not impressed. The challenge in all this is that it's hard to see someone else's motives - all we can see are their actions, so we can't judge the inside.
Come to think of it: perhaps that's the point: you can't judge someone else's motives, so all you can do is worry about your own.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Wear red on Sunday to celebrate Reformation Sunday. We will have worship at 8:30 and 11 (with Affirmation of Baptism/Confirmation at 11).
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Matthew 19:21-22 Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
What do you value most? That's the question that this gospel vignette poses to us. What would you be most sad if you had to give it up? That's a slightly different question than, what would you be most sad if you lost? Because in fact, there's an even greater sadness that comes if we have to make the choice to lose something of value? So what is it that you value the most?
Would someone observing your life from the outside know that you valued it the most? Would someone who looks at your calendar and your to-do lists and your checkbook know that you value your family the most? Or your relationship with God? Or whatever it is that you claim to value the most? Does your lifestyle line up with your stated values?
The young man that Jesus spoke with ran into a conflict with his stated values (he wanted to enter the kingdom of heaven) and his lifestyle: he didn't want to lose his possessions. And he went away grieving. Would you?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. Wear red to worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between at 9:45.
What do you value most? That's the question that this gospel vignette poses to us. What would you be most sad if you had to give it up? That's a slightly different question than, what would you be most sad if you lost? Because in fact, there's an even greater sadness that comes if we have to make the choice to lose something of value? So what is it that you value the most?
Would someone observing your life from the outside know that you valued it the most? Would someone who looks at your calendar and your to-do lists and your checkbook know that you value your family the most? Or your relationship with God? Or whatever it is that you claim to value the most? Does your lifestyle line up with your stated values?
The young man that Jesus spoke with ran into a conflict with his stated values (he wanted to enter the kingdom of heaven) and his lifestyle: he didn't want to lose his possessions. And he went away grieving. Would you?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. Wear red to worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between at 9:45.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well-being.
Be honest? Who is reading this has ever felt that the rules and demands that God makes of us as Christians are too hard? Who has ever felt that God was a little bit of a kill-joy? Who has ever resented the call to love your neighbor... yes, even THAT neighbor? Who has ever resented the call to turn the other cheek when you've been wronged instead of to fight back or just to walk away?
I know I have.
Just like I resented the rule when I was a child that I had to go to sleep at a certain hour and couldn't stay up reading all night. Just like I resented the rule when I was a child that I couldn't eat french fries for every meal. The commandments that the Lord our God has given are "for our own well-being." We don't know it. Sometimes we can't understand it. And that's the point. If we knew what was always best for us, we wouldn't need God right?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
It's Reformation Sunday. Wear red and join us for worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Be honest? Who is reading this has ever felt that the rules and demands that God makes of us as Christians are too hard? Who has ever felt that God was a little bit of a kill-joy? Who has ever resented the call to love your neighbor... yes, even THAT neighbor? Who has ever resented the call to turn the other cheek when you've been wronged instead of to fight back or just to walk away?
I know I have.
Just like I resented the rule when I was a child that I had to go to sleep at a certain hour and couldn't stay up reading all night. Just like I resented the rule when I was a child that I couldn't eat french fries for every meal. The commandments that the Lord our God has given are "for our own well-being." We don't know it. Sometimes we can't understand it. And that's the point. If we knew what was always best for us, we wouldn't need God right?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
It's Reformation Sunday. Wear red and join us for worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Monday, October 24, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Deuteronomy 6:20-21 When your children ask you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees and the statutes and the ordinances that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ then you shall say to your children, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.'
Do you have a memory of God acting for you? Do you have a memory that you can fall back on when God seems distant or quiet or absent? Do you have a memory that continues to fuel your faith?
Moses spoke to the Israelites and admonished them never to forget. Never forget that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord brought you to freedom. I think that the times when we act without faith or the times when faith seems distant or irrelevant are really about forgetfulness. We've forgotten that we were once slaves. We were once slaves to sin and, in our baptism, we've been made free. We were once slaves to the power of death and, in our baptism, we've been made free. Reminders are important. I pray that today you will be reminded of your freedom in Christ: your freedom to live and breathe as a forgiven child of God.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday's worship is about remembering the freedom we have been given in the gospel: it's Reformation Sunday. Worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Do you have a memory of God acting for you? Do you have a memory that you can fall back on when God seems distant or quiet or absent? Do you have a memory that continues to fuel your faith?
Moses spoke to the Israelites and admonished them never to forget. Never forget that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord brought you to freedom. I think that the times when we act without faith or the times when faith seems distant or irrelevant are really about forgetfulness. We've forgotten that we were once slaves. We were once slaves to sin and, in our baptism, we've been made free. We were once slaves to the power of death and, in our baptism, we've been made free. Reminders are important. I pray that today you will be reminded of your freedom in Christ: your freedom to live and breathe as a forgiven child of God.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday's worship is about remembering the freedom we have been given in the gospel: it's Reformation Sunday. Worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Friday, October 14, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Friday
1 Peter 5:1-5 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. 3Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. 5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
‘God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.’
I wanted to give you this whole extended passage today to read. It provides a vision of what leadership and community look like in the church. There are leaders in the church (today we call them pastors and Church Council members, etc). Those who are called to lead are called to do so as examples, not using power for power's sake, not "lording it over" anyone to get their own way.
The key part to me and the way leadership works in the church is in the final verse: all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another. Does humility mark your dealings? Would people describe you as humble? I pray for God's gift of humility for all of us.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Men's Breakfast meets tomorrow morning at 8 am. Worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
‘God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.’
I wanted to give you this whole extended passage today to read. It provides a vision of what leadership and community look like in the church. There are leaders in the church (today we call them pastors and Church Council members, etc). Those who are called to lead are called to do so as examples, not using power for power's sake, not "lording it over" anyone to get their own way.
The key part to me and the way leadership works in the church is in the final verse: all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another. Does humility mark your dealings? Would people describe you as humble? I pray for God's gift of humility for all of us.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Men's Breakfast meets tomorrow morning at 8 am. Worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
3 John 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
First of all, a little Bible trivia: Notice there aren't two numbers after John separated by a colon. Usually the first number is chapter number and second is verse number. In this case it's 3 John 11. There's only 1 chapter in 3 John. It's a short book: a memo really. You could read the whole book in probably as much time as it's taking you to read this email message. Give it a shot.
In this short little letter, John is attempting to provide some direction and correction to groups of ancient Christians. Because in olden times things were not always better. Things were not always more holy. Things were not always more clear. There were controversies and arguments and disagreements. People did the wrong thing sometimes. And they needed a reminder.
That's what this is for us: we all know of course not to imitate the evil. And if things and choices came labeled as good and evil the vast majority of us would choose correctly. The challenge is that things don't come labeled that way. So we need to be reminded to think and discern carefully. When you're making choices, think about the evil and good. And, to the best of your ability, choose the good. Then, once you've chosen: trust God and God's grace and forgiveness. That's the Christian way of life. It's not neat and easy and clean all the time. Instead, it's real life.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Our website http://www.allsaintspalatine.org has information about all of our ministries. Worship together Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45. Men's Breakfast meets this Saturday morning at 8.
First of all, a little Bible trivia: Notice there aren't two numbers after John separated by a colon. Usually the first number is chapter number and second is verse number. In this case it's 3 John 11. There's only 1 chapter in 3 John. It's a short book: a memo really. You could read the whole book in probably as much time as it's taking you to read this email message. Give it a shot.
In this short little letter, John is attempting to provide some direction and correction to groups of ancient Christians. Because in olden times things were not always better. Things were not always more holy. Things were not always more clear. There were controversies and arguments and disagreements. People did the wrong thing sometimes. And they needed a reminder.
That's what this is for us: we all know of course not to imitate the evil. And if things and choices came labeled as good and evil the vast majority of us would choose correctly. The challenge is that things don't come labeled that way. So we need to be reminded to think and discern carefully. When you're making choices, think about the evil and good. And, to the best of your ability, choose the good. Then, once you've chosen: trust God and God's grace and forgiveness. That's the Christian way of life. It's not neat and easy and clean all the time. Instead, it's real life.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Our website http://www.allsaintspalatine.org has information about all of our ministries. Worship together Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45. Men's Breakfast meets this Saturday morning at 8.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
John 6:33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
Jesus was speaking here, telling his disciples about what should be their priority. Don't work for bread that goes moldy if you leave it out on the kitchen counter, he said. Work for the bread of God. Seek the bread of God. Spend your time and your energy on the bread of God. The bread of God is what comes down from heaven. The bread of God gives life to the world.
So let's ask the question: what gives life to the world?
Food and water from a physical standpoint are obvious answers. The world needs food and water. Literal food and water. They are life-giving.
As Christians we know and we trust that eternal life comes to the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All in the world who believe will know and experience eternal life even after the food and water are no more for them.
But when you think about those experiences that we call life-giving, or those experiences of the high-points of life, what defines them? If I had to boil it down to one word it would be love. Love gives life to the world. Where there is love, that's where I want to be. Where there is love, life happens. Where there is love, joy happens. The bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. And it's love. Find it today.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
More information is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11with Education Hour at 9:45. Men's Breakfast meets on Saturday morning at 9. Join in the fun!
Jesus was speaking here, telling his disciples about what should be their priority. Don't work for bread that goes moldy if you leave it out on the kitchen counter, he said. Work for the bread of God. Seek the bread of God. Spend your time and your energy on the bread of God. The bread of God is what comes down from heaven. The bread of God gives life to the world.
So let's ask the question: what gives life to the world?
Food and water from a physical standpoint are obvious answers. The world needs food and water. Literal food and water. They are life-giving.
As Christians we know and we trust that eternal life comes to the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All in the world who believe will know and experience eternal life even after the food and water are no more for them.
But when you think about those experiences that we call life-giving, or those experiences of the high-points of life, what defines them? If I had to boil it down to one word it would be love. Love gives life to the world. Where there is love, that's where I want to be. Where there is love, life happens. Where there is love, joy happens. The bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. And it's love. Find it today.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
More information is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11with Education Hour at 9:45. Men's Breakfast meets on Saturday morning at 9. Join in the fun!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Amos 9:14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel,
and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
The promise of God came through the prophet Amos. Amos had a word from God of promise, of restoration, and of healing. It came to people whose homes had been taken away from them or even destroyed. It came to people whose cities had been laid waste, whose job prospects were gone, who lost the hope that they'd be able to provide for their families, whose hope was gone. Do you know anybody like that?
The promise of God is always primarily a promise of restoration. God promises restoration of fortunes, rebuilding of cities, re-planting of vineyards and gardens. Come, Lord. Quickly. Come.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Join us Sunday at 8:30 and 11 for worship and 9:45 for Education Hour. More information available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
The promise of God came through the prophet Amos. Amos had a word from God of promise, of restoration, and of healing. It came to people whose homes had been taken away from them or even destroyed. It came to people whose cities had been laid waste, whose job prospects were gone, who lost the hope that they'd be able to provide for their families, whose hope was gone. Do you know anybody like that?
The promise of God is always primarily a promise of restoration. God promises restoration of fortunes, rebuilding of cities, re-planting of vineyards and gardens. Come, Lord. Quickly. Come.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Join us Sunday at 8:30 and 11 for worship and 9:45 for Education Hour. More information available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Monday, October 10, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Exodus 19:17 Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain.
We want to meet God. What else are we doing when we gather for worship, when we gather together to speak about our faith? We want to catch some glimpse of God. We want to know something more fully about who God is and who we are in relationship with God.
Moses brings the people out of their camp to meet God. I think that's significant. It matters. The people had to leave camp, they had to leave their comfort zone in order to really encounter God. Our normal everyday experiences can limit our ability to see. Sometimes it's necessary to climb out of the valley so we can see. How can you metaphorically get out of your camp so you can meet God?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us Wednesday evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Then come back Sunday at 8:30 and 11 for worship and Education Hour at 9:45.
We want to meet God. What else are we doing when we gather for worship, when we gather together to speak about our faith? We want to catch some glimpse of God. We want to know something more fully about who God is and who we are in relationship with God.
Moses brings the people out of their camp to meet God. I think that's significant. It matters. The people had to leave camp, they had to leave their comfort zone in order to really encounter God. Our normal everyday experiences can limit our ability to see. Sometimes it's necessary to climb out of the valley so we can see. How can you metaphorically get out of your camp so you can meet God?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us Wednesday evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Then come back Sunday at 8:30 and 11 for worship and Education Hour at 9:45.
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