Reformation Sunday - October 25, 2020
First Lutheran Church
October 25, 2020 + Reformation Sunday
John 8:31-36 31Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
“Reformation: Past, Present, Future”
Pastor Greg Ronning
Rooted in the past, living out our mission in the present, and growing into the future, the church must always be re-formed. In order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world, the spirit and the work of “reformation” must be ongoing. Today we celebrate the reformation, “past, present, and future,” the Good News of God’s grace, the Spirit that is at work in us making all things new, and the Kingdom of God that is coming even now.
“Reformation Past – Luther’s Seal”
Most historians agree that one of the most important events of the millennium was Luther's nailing his 95 theses to the door of The Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, On October 31st in 1517. This simple invitation to engage in a theological debate, set in motion a series of events that would dramatically change Christianity, Europe, and the entire world. The ensuing Reformation was not just a religious event. It was a social, political, and economic revolution. It laid the intellectual framework that gave birth to the Enlightenment. The Reformation opened the door and gave birth to religious freedom, the scientific method, modern democracy, public education, the rise of individual consciousness, and an age of discovery. In many ways, the Reformation literally turned the world upside down!
I’d like to begin today by first remembering the theology of Marin Luther, the ideas that gave birth to the Reformation.
While a professor at Wittenberg University, Martin Luther designed a seal known as “Luther’s Rose,” which he declared was meant to be “expressing of his theology.” Luther wanted his seal to be a witness to God’s love for all of creation! In a letter to the man who painted the seal for Luther, Luther explains the meaning behind the design.
Luther writes, “Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology.”
Luther explains, “The first thing expressed in my seal is a black cross within the heart, to put me in mind that faith in Christ crucified saves us.”
The cross is placed in a red heart. Luther points out, “Now, although the cross mortified, and intended to cause pain, it does not change the color of the heart; it does not destroy nature, it does not kill, but keeps alive. Faith causes love, joy, and peace to grow in the human heart.”
Luther introduces his rose, “Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives. That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels.”
Luther points out the blue sky, “Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed.”
Luther describes the last element in his seal, “And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal.”
Luther concludes the letter describing his seal, “This is the summary of my theology. I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen.”
The theology of Luther, the theology behind the Reformation is grounded in the cross, “For God so loved the world.” A new covenant written not in stone, but forever on the heart, a covenant that cannot be broken. Expressed and experienced in a joy that brings about peace. Filled with hope that begins now and will last forever. A theology grounded in the grace, mercy, and unconditional love of God, - the gifts from God that are more precious than gold.
“Reformation Present – Truth”
So, what does Reformation 2020 look like? Is it just like the rest of 2020? Something we’d just as soon not look at, something we can’t wait to forget, something we just want to be over and done! For many of us 2020 feels like a year wasted, a year interrupted, a year on pause, a year to be forgotten. We just want 2020 to end, hoping that somehow 2021 will bring everything back to normal.
That’s what we all want, we just want it to end. Yet if we don’t take the time to look at 2020, to reflect on what 2020 taught us about life, to reflect on what 2020 taught us about faith and the church, it would be a really big mistake.
In many ways 2020 helped us see the truth; the truth about what is really important to us, the truth about what makes society work, the truth about our relationships with others, and the truth about church. This past year, in church circles, there has been a lot of discussion asking the question, “What about church is essential? “What are the essential activities of church?” And many of us are beginning to realize, that as much as we love gathering together in our sanctuary, as important as it is to gather together on Sunday mornings, Church is not just about Sunday morning, it’s not just about putting on a Sunday morning show! We’ve made a big deal about declaring that our church has never closed, that even though we have not gathered together in our sanctuary for over seven months, we are still open, we are still very much open, that we are still at work proclaiming and living out the gospel.
One thing that I learned in 2020 is how important it is to have a mission statement, a living mission statement that everyone believes, mission statement that sustains us and moves us forward even in difficult times. In 2017 we created a new mission statement for First Lutheran Church, “Called to be the Heart of Christ feeding our neighbors with Grace, Mercy, Love and Justice.” The abridged version, “The Church that feeds people.” And I believe that one of the reasons we are still going strong in the midst of this pandemic is because of our sense of mission. Deep down we know that church is not just about “us,” it’s not about keeping us entertained, it’s not about preserving our traditions and practices. Ultimately church is about loving and serving each other, and more importantly loving and serving our neighbors.
So, we continue to feed our neighbors, we provide meals and bags of groceries, but more importantly we serve, “grace, mercy, love, and justice.” We provide “Caring Hands” and caring hearts in a world that doesn’t always care, we live out the gospel for our neighbors who are really suffering during this pandemic. And we have found a way to continue to feed each other. We’ve been able to reach out to each other with phone calls, emails, and a few safe visits. We’ve been able to figure out the technology that allows us to “Zoom” into each other’s homes and hearts. We have been able to share the good news of the gospel with each other, and in doing so empowered each of us in our life together to live out our mission in downtown Fullerton.
In the Reformation Gospel Jesus proclaims, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 2020 has been an absolutely horrible year, and don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait till it ends. Yet I do believe 2020 has revealed some great truths for us to hold, truths about what is essential, truths about our mission, truths regarding our unique calling in this place; truths that we will want to hold onto as we make plans for the future. May these truths set us free to meet the challenges before us at the end of this pandemic, set us free to embraces the changes demanded by what will be a new normal, set us free to continue our work re-forming the church anew in every age, in every time, and in every place.
“Reformation Future – The Times They are a Changin’”
So, what does the Reformation hold for us in the future? To answer that question, I want to look back. I thought it would be fun to see what I had to say to you on the first Reformation Day I celebrated with you back in 2017! And on the day, I began with a song by Bob Dylan! Perhaps you remember …
Come gather ‘round people wherever you roam
And admit that the waters around you have grown
And accept it that soon you'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you; Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin’ or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a changin'.
It’s was true then, and whether we like it or not - now it’s especially true, “the times they are changing.” The Coronavirus Pandemic has in many ways accelerated the changes. We will never be returning to the old normal, on the other side of this pandemic will lie a new age, a new landscape, and perhaps new opportunities.
What will people be looking for on the other side? I have a feeling many people will be looking for community, a place to once again interact with people, share life with people, share meaning and purpose with people.
It is my hope and prayer that we might be ready for such an opportunity. It is my hope and prayer that we might be willing to make whatever changes might be deemed necessary to put ourselves in a position to share the gospel with our neighbors. In the past twenty-five years mainline churches have been in decline for a variety of reasons, perhaps when this current pandemic ends, there might be an a chance for us to re-form ourselves in ways that might be more engaging to the world around us while still holding firm to the truth of the Gospel.
St. Paul warned us about the necessity and inevitability of change, he writes in 2 Corinthians, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) If you follow Jesus, things are going to change! That’s the way it works, that’s how it works. And perhaps that’s a promise too, a promise that after this pandemic finally passes, though everything might change, though life may look different, God in Christ Jesus will still be present with us. Present in a new way, to meet the demands of a new day. May God grant each of us the faith and courage to also be present, to be open to the movement of the Spirit, the ongoing work the church, the body of Christ, the holy work of re-formation. “For the times they are a changing!’” Amen.
October 18, 2020
First Lutheran Church
October 18, 2020
Philippians Sermon Series – Chapter Four
Philippians 4:4-9
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Sermon “Think About These Things”
Pastor Greg Ronning
Today we conclude our sermon series on Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In chapter four Paul effectively sums up his teachings from the first three chapters and provides us with some practical instructions for faithful living.
In today’s reading Paul begins by exhorting us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” In this final chapter we once again emphatically return to one of the central themes found in the book of Philippians, - “joy.” Remember, in this short letter Paul uses the word “joy” or “rejoice” sixteen times! Paul is filled with joy and Paul calls each of us to rejoice, “always.” Once again these are remarkable and profound words, words filled with incredible depth and meaning; because they are spoken by someone languishing in a first century prison, someone bound in shackles, someone who has suffered beatings, someone living under the threat of death. So it is we must ask, how is it that he can speak of “joy?”
Paul invites us to make a distinction between joy and mere happiness. Joy is neither short lived nor superficial. Joy comes from a deeper theological place. Joy comes from a life filled with meaning and purpose. Joy comes from making a difference. Joy is found in knowing Christ, in following the way of Christ, in living in - and out of - the death and resurrection of Christ. Joy, unlike happiness, is not temporal, it is not dependent on external comforts and pleasures but rather something that is profoundly present even under dire circumstances. Joy is always present in the heart and soul of someone who has a vocation, someone who has a profound reason to live, someone who has a calling from God.
Today’s reading continues. The call to “rejoice” is followed by a call to “gentleness.” Paul writes in verse five, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” The word, “gentleness” has also been translated as graciousness, reasonableness, moderation, and consideration. This verse, the call to practice “gentleness,” takes me back to the second chapter of Philippians and Paul’s appeal to the followers of Jesus to “be of the same mind,” to “do nothing from selfish ambition,” to practice “humility,” to look “to the interests of others.” Paul concludes, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross.”
Paul connects this practicing of “gentleness” to the presence of Christ, by pointing out that, “the Lord is near.” Here we are reminded once again that the direction of the Gospel is downward. Jesus leaves the glories of heaven and comes down to us, Jesus embraces humility and comes down to us, Jesus empties himself and comes down to us, God leaves a position of wrath to practice “gentleness.” We find great comfort in this truth, that God comes to us, that we don’t need to climb up to the heavens. God comes down, and in Jesus, God fleshed out, the grace, mercy, and love of God is made known to us. Of course, these words that comfort us also challenge us, we are challenged to embrace “gentleness,” “humility,” and the “emptiness of descent” in our relationships with others, our neighbors, and even the stranger; that they too may know the grace, mercy, and love of God. Such “gentleness” invites us into deeper living, a life of service, a life of meaning and purpose, the life of joy!
Our reading continues in verse six with this crazy outlandish invitation from Paul, “Do not worry about anything.” Now that’s a tall order, “Don’t worry about anything!” Doesn’t Paul understand, that right now, in this moment, there are so many things to worry about? We’re in the middle of a pandemic that just doesn’t seem to end! We’re worried about our health, our finances, and a myriad of complex social-political realities. I don’t know about you, but these days I’m worried about all kinds of things, sometimes I think I’m worried about everything. Yet I suppose they don’t really compare to the things that Paul was facing, - life in a first century prison and the threat of death. Now that’s something to worry about! Yet Paul speaks confidently of joy and “no worries.” How does Paul do it, what does he do to avoid being consumed by the “worries of life?”
The fourth chapter continues, Paul encourages us to take up a few spiritual habits, habits of the heart and habits of the mind. Paul is grounded in joy and peace because he practices his faith; - and he calls us to these particular practices, “prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.” Paul shares in prayer with his faith community, they pray for him and he prays for them. Being held in prayer and holding others in prayer makes a difference. The prayers of the faith community are central to its health and vitality. And Paul practices his faith with gratitude. He gives thanks for all that he has, he does not dwell on the negative. We are reminded that prayer is not just about offering up your shopping lists of wants, desires, and needs; prayer is also about taking of inventory of your blessings. Such prayers, prayers that align us with God, with the Kingdom of God, prayers that count our blessings, prayers of gratitude are transformative. Social scientists have observed, “People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.” Prayer, practiced in the faith community, practiced in thanksgiving with gratitude, leads us into joy, and moves us from anxiety to peace, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” the peace that “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The Fourth Chapter of Philippians continues. At this point Paul brings his letter to a wonderful poetic conclusion, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Paul concludes with some more practical advice. How often do we “think about things,” fill our minds with things, obsess over things, - that don’t really matter. Paul echoes this theme in the book of Colossians, Chapter Three, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” It’s so easy to be distracted from the things of heaven, the things of God, the things that flow from joy and peace. The things of this world are loud and “in our face,” they take advantage of our fears and our anxieties, they demand our attention. And they get us going in the wrong direction, instead of following the gospel down into a life of humble service we find ourselves climbing up, seeking status, protecting privilege, seeking the principalities and powers of this world, storing up earthly treasures that moths and rust will destroy.
So, what is worthy of our thinking, our time and our energy, our best thoughts? What is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise? What will bring us joy and peace? The Gospel of Christ.
Let us be of the same mind, the mind of Christ, may the thoughts of our minds, the meditations of our hearts, be solely focused on love. God’s great love for us, lived out in loving service to others. And in our humble descent with Christ (into Christ), may we be blessed to discover that “holy place” where our great passion in life, (our talents, gifts and resources) intersects with the world’s great needs. And in that “holy place,” living out our calling in life, may we be filled with the peace that comes from the depths of joy.
May the journey of faith before each of us, the journey inspired by love and sustained by grace, lead us ever deeper into joy and peace abundant. Amen.