Let’s Shine Brightly!
02/03/08
The Transfiguration of our Lord
Matthew 17:1-9
This morning’s message, which contains a slide presentation of our 2007 ministries, is presented in outline form.
I. Introduction
A. Epiphany means to shine forth. The season concludes each year with a reading of the Transfiguration of our Lord, this year in Matthew’s gospel. Jesus shines like the sun. We hear the words of comfort and promise from the Father, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.” Disciples are so captivated and moved, they want to stay. But their mission was not on the mountaintop, but in the valley below. They would need to shine forth to others. This is our call as well, individually and as a church, to shine forth with God’s love. Just how do we do that? Well, we’re each an individual light, and in the church we join with others to do ministry. Introduce video of 2007 ministries, explaining that this is just the tip of the iceberg of what we do as a congregation, the way we shine forth. Show slide presentation.
II. Body
That, and much more, is how we are a light to the world. Unfortunately, that light has already begun to dim. Example, calling Craig Corbin and letting him know we will not be able to give any mission support to Luther Point Camp. We are not receiving the financial support to do that. But here’s the good news. The leadership of this church is committed to turning this around, so that our light continues to shine brightly, and indeed even brighter than in the past. And the season of Lent, which begins Wednesday, is the perfect opportunity to start. During the next seven weeks, we focus more intensely on God’s love for us in Christ, the cross and the resurrection, than at any other time of year. So, this morning I want to present to you three Lenten challenges which will make your light shine brighter as well as the church shine brighter.
1. Pray every day for your church. Jesus went up the mountain to meet with God, and he did. We can do that as well, thru prayer. You can pray for your church, once a day, in less than three seconds. “Lord, watch over and bless my church today.” Your prayer brings God into the picture. Not that God isn’t already there, for God loves the church. But it actively seeks God’s presence for us, which we always need. It also brings your church into your mind and heart that day. It makes it not just a once a week or occasional experience. It makes it part of your life, which it is. So, beginning Ash Wednesday I challenge you to pray for your church at least once a day. More devotions available on the table.
2. Attend church every Sunday for the next 7 weeks. This is the most sacred time of the year for Christians. This year, in particular, the gospel readings are wonderful and easy to relate to. There’s the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, the searching Nicodemus who learns he must be born again, the woman at the well who finds living water, the man born blind, healed of his blindness, Lazarus raised from the dead. These are texts that I guarantee you will be a blessing.
Beyond the personal blessing, we need you here. The church is not complete, it is not all it can be, when people are absent. Each of you is a light to the world. The more lights we bring together, the brighter this church can shine. So, grab your family, invite your friends, and commit to coming for the next seven weeks.
Now, I’m a realist. I know there are legitimate reasons that not all 7 weeks may work for everyone. You already have vacation planned. Someone gets sick, you’re gone for a family obligation, whatever. We do have Wed. services, so if you miss Sunday you can come then. But the bigger point is that it is very easy to get spiritually lazy. We need to over come that. Snap Fitness example, need to keep spiritually fit. Challenge #2, attend church every Sunday for the next 7 weeks.
3. Lent and Easter have always been a time for giving to the Lord. Here’s my challenge to you. Try tithing for 7 weeks. The tithe, giving 10%, is lifted up as a Biblical benchmark for giving. It’s not a law, but it is commended. Many have felt a special joy, a significant blessing, when they’ve taken that step and begun to tithe.
Here’s how it works, in real simple numbers. First, you pick the amount on which to tithe. Net income or gross income, that’s between you and God. Let’s just say, that for your situation and to make the math easy, the number you’ve chosen is $52,000 of annual income. That means each week you have available $1000. The tithe is 10% of that, or $100. So, for the next 7 weeks, you’ll give $100 for the Lord’s work, thru your church. Now may, you’re already giving $20/week. For the next 7 weeks, you’ll increase that by $80. A few of you already tithe or exceed the tithe. Your challenge is to give beyond that, maybe for 7 weeks give 11% instead of 10.
I know that for many this may be a real stretch and sacrifice. But I also know that it can be done, especially for 7 weeks. Give God a chance. See if you do not feel blessed, knowing that you’ve followed the Biblical model and given significantly for the Lord’s work. And wouldn’t it be wonderful, if I or a member of our stewardship committee, could stand before you on a Sunday and not have to say, “We need more,” but rather, “We’ve received so much, we’re going to the extra support to Luther Point, or to the ministries of our synod, or to whatever is chosen to receive that gift. For too long, too many people have assumed that someone else will provide the support. That can no longer be assumed. There is nobody else but you. So I challenge you to try the tithe during Lent, 7 weeks. Both you, and the church, will be blessed.
Jesus shined on the mountain, filled with the Father’s presence. We can shine to, maybe not in quite the same way, but as one individual light, joined together with many others in the church. I don’t want to see our light dimmed any further. Now’s the perfect time, the season of Lent, to make new commitments to prayer, worship, and giving. May God give us the will, the strength, and the resources to do so. Amen
Matthew 17:1-9
This morning’s message, which contains a slide presentation of our 2007 ministries, is presented in outline form.
I. Introduction
A. Epiphany means to shine forth. The season concludes each year with a reading of the Transfiguration of our Lord, this year in Matthew’s gospel. Jesus shines like the sun. We hear the words of comfort and promise from the Father, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.” Disciples are so captivated and moved, they want to stay. But their mission was not on the mountaintop, but in the valley below. They would need to shine forth to others. This is our call as well, individually and as a church, to shine forth with God’s love. Just how do we do that? Well, we’re each an individual light, and in the church we join with others to do ministry. Introduce video of 2007 ministries, explaining that this is just the tip of the iceberg of what we do as a congregation, the way we shine forth. Show slide presentation.
II. Body
That, and much more, is how we are a light to the world. Unfortunately, that light has already begun to dim. Example, calling Craig Corbin and letting him know we will not be able to give any mission support to Luther Point Camp. We are not receiving the financial support to do that. But here’s the good news. The leadership of this church is committed to turning this around, so that our light continues to shine brightly, and indeed even brighter than in the past. And the season of Lent, which begins Wednesday, is the perfect opportunity to start. During the next seven weeks, we focus more intensely on God’s love for us in Christ, the cross and the resurrection, than at any other time of year. So, this morning I want to present to you three Lenten challenges which will make your light shine brighter as well as the church shine brighter.
1. Pray every day for your church. Jesus went up the mountain to meet with God, and he did. We can do that as well, thru prayer. You can pray for your church, once a day, in less than three seconds. “Lord, watch over and bless my church today.” Your prayer brings God into the picture. Not that God isn’t already there, for God loves the church. But it actively seeks God’s presence for us, which we always need. It also brings your church into your mind and heart that day. It makes it not just a once a week or occasional experience. It makes it part of your life, which it is. So, beginning Ash Wednesday I challenge you to pray for your church at least once a day. More devotions available on the table.
2. Attend church every Sunday for the next 7 weeks. This is the most sacred time of the year for Christians. This year, in particular, the gospel readings are wonderful and easy to relate to. There’s the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, the searching Nicodemus who learns he must be born again, the woman at the well who finds living water, the man born blind, healed of his blindness, Lazarus raised from the dead. These are texts that I guarantee you will be a blessing.
Beyond the personal blessing, we need you here. The church is not complete, it is not all it can be, when people are absent. Each of you is a light to the world. The more lights we bring together, the brighter this church can shine. So, grab your family, invite your friends, and commit to coming for the next seven weeks.
Now, I’m a realist. I know there are legitimate reasons that not all 7 weeks may work for everyone. You already have vacation planned. Someone gets sick, you’re gone for a family obligation, whatever. We do have Wed. services, so if you miss Sunday you can come then. But the bigger point is that it is very easy to get spiritually lazy. We need to over come that. Snap Fitness example, need to keep spiritually fit. Challenge #2, attend church every Sunday for the next 7 weeks.
3. Lent and Easter have always been a time for giving to the Lord. Here’s my challenge to you. Try tithing for 7 weeks. The tithe, giving 10%, is lifted up as a Biblical benchmark for giving. It’s not a law, but it is commended. Many have felt a special joy, a significant blessing, when they’ve taken that step and begun to tithe.
Here’s how it works, in real simple numbers. First, you pick the amount on which to tithe. Net income or gross income, that’s between you and God. Let’s just say, that for your situation and to make the math easy, the number you’ve chosen is $52,000 of annual income. That means each week you have available $1000. The tithe is 10% of that, or $100. So, for the next 7 weeks, you’ll give $100 for the Lord’s work, thru your church. Now may, you’re already giving $20/week. For the next 7 weeks, you’ll increase that by $80. A few of you already tithe or exceed the tithe. Your challenge is to give beyond that, maybe for 7 weeks give 11% instead of 10.
I know that for many this may be a real stretch and sacrifice. But I also know that it can be done, especially for 7 weeks. Give God a chance. See if you do not feel blessed, knowing that you’ve followed the Biblical model and given significantly for the Lord’s work. And wouldn’t it be wonderful, if I or a member of our stewardship committee, could stand before you on a Sunday and not have to say, “We need more,” but rather, “We’ve received so much, we’re going to the extra support to Luther Point, or to the ministries of our synod, or to whatever is chosen to receive that gift. For too long, too many people have assumed that someone else will provide the support. That can no longer be assumed. There is nobody else but you. So I challenge you to try the tithe during Lent, 7 weeks. Both you, and the church, will be blessed.
Jesus shined on the mountain, filled with the Father’s presence. We can shine to, maybe not in quite the same way, but as one individual light, joined together with many others in the church. I don’t want to see our light dimmed any further. Now’s the perfect time, the season of Lent, to make new commitments to prayer, worship, and giving. May God give us the will, the strength, and the resources to do so. Amen