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Archive for category: Sermon Notes

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For All the Saints Who Pay Their Taxes (a few thoughts on the election)

November 7, 2016
07 Nov 2016

by Pastor Mike Middaugh

Yesterday at Calvary I shared a few thoughts on how Christians might approach their vote this election cycle. Here is a summary.

Photo Credit: Lindsey D'addato

Photo Credit: Lindsey D’addato

In Luke 20:19-26 the scribes and chief priests seek to trap Jesus in something he said so they asked him “Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Paying tribute was special tax required of every person subject to Caesar and Rome. As such, it was a contentious and despised tax within Israel. In years past there had been uprisings and rebellions against paying the tax.

If Jesus said “yes, pay the tax” the religious leaders knew he would lose credibility with his followers. Many were hoping Jesus would bring a revolution that would cause true change within the political system. But if Jesus said “no, do not pay the tax” he would be at risk of arrest for speaking against the Roman government and causing rebellion.

It was a trap. So instead, Jesus responded by saying “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s”. With these words Jesus deftly and brilliantly walks the line. He stayed true to his ultimate plan – bringing a life-changing revolution for his followers, but he also steers clear of stirring the political pot too soon, and being arrested or imprisoned.

With Jesus response I believe we are taught several principals about our role in interacting with the civil realm.

1  Jesus does not give the right to political complacency.
Jesus could have avoided the question, or said the topic didn’t involve him. He could have shrugged it it off, or pivoted to something safer. Instead, Jesus responds – with a real answer.

Jesus asks a very pointed question “Whose likeness and description does it have?”

“Caesar’s.”

“Then  render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.”

It is Caesars coin, he created it. With all the imperfections and flaws of the politics of his day Jesus acknowledges a need to still obey, to give to Caesar what is demanded, it belongs to him anyhow. In one response Jesus allows room for the basic authority of governments in this world, and at the same time points out their limitations.

But his words are anything but a call to complacency. When God’s people stay involved with the civil realm and stay engaged in the real workings of the world there is also the opportunity to bring positive change. During Jesus day, the relationship between Rome and Israel was contentious. After Jesus’ ascension it grew even worse. But Jesus still encouraged his people to live within the realm of this world, to work to make it better, to work for harmony, peace, and justice, all things impossible with complacency.

Some may choose to refrain from voting in this election. For these few it may be a well thought out, and prayerfully entered into, act of rebellion, a way of demanding things get better. Many others may way heavily their choice and ultimately vote for a candidate they believe to be imperfect, but still the better option. And other people of faith will feel it is an easy choice, and be at peace with the decision that they make. Each of these paths may be places we walk through in our lifetime of voting and politics, but let us enter in with prayer, deliberation, consideration and care. We cannot change a system if we do not stay involved.

2 Jesus rises above political simplicity.
Jesus answer is not really a “yes” or a “no,” but somewhere in between. He says “OK, give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. This coin is his anyway.” But then Jesus adds “and give to God what is God’s” which is actually a not-so-subtle act of rebellion. On the front of a denarius would have been Caesar’s image, with an inscription stating “Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus, Augustus.” With this inscription Tiberius Caesar was claiming full authority over the people, authority in the civil realm but also in the divine. Caesar claimed to be a God, and as such, also high priest over the people. This was one reason why paying the tax was so offensive to the Jews. But Jesus is willing to say “give the coin to Caesar, but to the true God, give your allegiance.”

Jesus revolution was not one that began in the pocketbooks of his people, it started with their hearts. The God of the Bible has always been primarily concerned with his people’s faithfulness to himself, that they would see that nothing in this world can offer salvation, not a Caesar, not a President, not a party. Only God grants salvation, through the revolutionary sacrifice of his Son. This is why we worship him, and him alone.

In this way, Jesus avoided political simplicity. He granted the paying of the tax, but not allegiance to the very words written on the coin. Today there are many who might wish to simplify the issues saying that a Christian can only vote in this way, or in that. It is true, for the people of God some issues should rise to the top, but even in those there is room for debate. We vote our conscience. We vote as people of prayer. We vote knowing that in prayer we may be led to a different conclusion than others. This is the way it is in a complex, imperfect, limited government of this world.

3 Jesus does not accept political primacy.
Jesus had to ask for someone else to find a coin to show and make his point. He did not have one. In fact in his life, he is never known to hold or have any wealth whatsoever. More than just a show or an act, this was for his people to be one more sign of who he really was. This is the God-man. Powerful enough he had no need for earthly money, yet humble and sacrificial enough he stooped down to live within the human system to display his abundant love.

It is clear all along in Jesus’ ministry that he did not come as one more emperor, elected official, or Caesar, he came as the most-high God. The only one capable of ruling justly and with true authority. He came to change the world, starting with our hearts, claimed by him in the new life of the Resurrection. He also came to change the world, but not by force, but by loving, persistent subversion. He raised up a people, a church, who would work to bring true healing, true help, true comfort, peace, justice, and hope that might lift up the broken-hearted and the broken in body as well.

No party will save us. No elected official will bring the change we truly long for.

And yet, we are called to stay involved, to raise the bar of civil discourse. To be patient in conversation, understanding of different views, and loving with all our words. We are invited to fight for justice and mercy for those in need. This starts in our own lives, with our hands and with our own work, and flows into all our actions, including the way we vote.

And finally, we should work for a higher standard. Our standard is God’s standard, which is perfection. We will not reach it in this life, but thankfully we are forgiven. And yet we are called work towards that goal, to reflect Jesus in our lives. During this year’s presidential election some very damaging and harmful things have been said. Many have been hurt by these words, and left to wonder why these words and actions are allowable today, especially from those who might seek the highest public office. What can we do to work for a better system, and to demand more of our leaders? How might different, greater values, such as repentance and humility become characteristics we require for those running for public office? How might we be part of this change?

Join me in praying: for wisdom as we vote, for discernment as we respond and interact with others, and for healing as our nation moves forward from a difficult and trying election cycle, that we might find more reasons to come together than to remain divided.

in Discipleship, General, Sermon Notes /by Michael Middaugh

Vivit! The Lamb

April 14, 2016
14 Apr 2016

thelambkemper

~by Pastor Mike Middaugh

The following is an excerpt taken from an Easter Sermon preached at Calvary by Frederick W. Kemper, Calvary’s Pastor from 1958 – 1979. This sermon, along with others from the Easter Cycle can be found in his book “The Lamb.” (Concordia Publishing House, 1983.) All punctuation as found in the original.

Some fundamental questions are essential to making Scripture yield its depths. They are to be addressed to any event, any statement, recorded by the Spirit for our learning. In all meditation on the passion and resurrection of our Lord, these are necessary. What does all this mean to/for God the Father? What does this mean to God the Son? The third is vital – what does this mean to me? Here is an angel messenger with the proclamation “Jesus is risen even as He said.” Let’s answer the questions.

The Resurrection is God’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. God, who sent Jesus into the world, who gave Him up to die, who abandoned Him to hell that our sins and the sin of the world might be expiated, God – raised Him from the dead. God would not let His holy One see corruption. Jesus, the Christ, had been faithful to the trust, faithful to the plan, faithful even unto death, the death of the cross. God reached into the tomb and touched His lifeless body. God gave him life. God gave him glory.

There is no question about it, God accepted the suffering and death of His only begotten Son. God heard the cry from the cross, addressed to Him alone, yet heard clearly by all at the cross: “It is finished!” The plan conceived in the councils of the Trinity before the foundations of the world were laid had been brought to completion. Justice had been served. Love had triumphed. God accepted the atoning work of Christ.

Vivit! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Vivit! Christ our Passover lives. God raised Him from the dead, and we too shall live.

And what of Jesus, the Christ. We could, of course, speak of His appearances – to Mary, to the Emmaus disciples, to the Twelve. They are part and parcel of the Resurrection stories. We could speak of His ascension into glory, but there is a day reserved for that 40 days hence. Rather however, let us speak of the Lamb as St. John sees Him in the vision called Revelation. The text I have chose this morning is that exciting portion of the vision when the Lamb opens the book of the seven seals. No one in all of Glory has been able to open it. The Lamb steps forward and takes the book. The 4 living creatures and the 24 elders compose and sing a new song.

Worthy art Thou to take the scroll and to open its seals, for Thou wast slain and by Thy blood didst ransom men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and hast made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth. (Rev. 5:9-10 RSV)

The whole company of heaven – the angels hovering about the throne, the myriads of angels, the whole company of the patriarchs, sing the chorus – in praise of the Lamb. The sound of it must have been exceedingly beautiful, the power of it enough to shake the walls of glory, the glory of it beyond all imagination.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! (V. 12)

And still the song is not finished. The chorus is picked up by everything on earth, under the earth, and in the sea. The glorious sound filled all creation as it praised and honored the Lamb.

Blessing and honor and glory and power be given to Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb, for timeless ages! (V. 13)

When at last the great chorus came to an end, an “Amen” was added quietly, I should think, melodic certainly, by the four living creatures. And the elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.

The Lamb of God, sacrificed on Calvary for the sin of the world, had accomplished the plan of God for man’s redemption. He paid for the sins of mankind at God’s price. “Wherefore God has highly exalted Him!” Wherefore the saints and angels in glory sin His everlasting praises. Wherefore he is appointed King of kings and Lord of lords.

And what of us, we who are the redeemed? We are made a kingdom of priests for our God. We reign as kings upon the earth. That promise is not new. It was part of the old covenant at Mount Sinai when God came for His people Israel. “You shall be to me a kingdom or priests” (Ex. 19:5-6). In the new covenant St. Peter could write of the followers of Jesus, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people” (1 Peter 2:9). John hears the mighty truth again in our Revelation text: You, My people, are a kingdom of priests. Priests with the privilege of prayer! Priests who present your bodies a living sacrifice to God! Priests who have the privilege of the Throne Room. Priests who are at the disposal of the King of kings. And you are kings upon the earth – in Christ. Rulers of your destiny – in Christ. Subject to no one – save Christ.

Vivit, He lives! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Vivit, He lives! The whole Christian church on earth, the whole community of saints, the whole kingdom of God, is predicated of that Easter fact. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have predicated our lives and our futures, our eternity, on that fact. And one day, or should I say, one eternity, by the sheer grace of God and by the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Anointed of God, we will hear the angel chorus. We will know the tune when we arrive in glory. We will join in the singing, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto Him who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever.”

in Discipleship, General, Midweek Meditations, Sermon Notes /by Michael Middaugh

Sustainable Spirituality

August 12, 2015
12 Aug 2015

sustainable-for-web

 

A four week sermon series on living sustainably by walking with Jesus.

 

 

We often try to live our lives in ways that are unsustainable. We don’t get the sleep we need. We put things in our bodies that are not beneficial. Or we spend far more money than what we actually have. All of these things lead to a life of unrest and uncertainty. We become worn out and broken down. But Jesus came to give to us the thing that we really need; to have true life and to have it to the full. He gives us himself and tells us that whoever feeds on the bread of he gives, will not die, but will live for all eternity.

 

in Sermon Notes /by Michael Middaugh

Lent Sermon Series, 2015

February 9, 2015
09 Feb 2015

Many of us are familiar with some stories of the Bible: Noah and the Flood; Abraham and Isaac; Moses parting the Red Sea; King David leading Israel; and Jesus being born in a manger. But do we know how all of these smaller stories fit into the one big story that is the story of God’s salvation?

Starting on February 22nd, as we begin the season of Lent, we will be taking a look at some of the most well known stories of scripture to see how they all ultimately point to a much bigger story. The story of Jesus who came as the savior of the world.

forest in the trees square

in General, Sermon Notes /by Michael Middaugh

Sermon Notes 8.30.14

September 2, 2014
02 Sep 2014

Do Not be Overcome by Evil, but Overcome Evil with Good
Romans 12:9-21

BleedingHeartHow can we put into practice the love that Christ has shown to us? How can we learn to live peacefully with others even when they harm or insult us?

1. Bless your enemies
a. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
b. It is almost impossible to hate someone you are praying for.
c. By praying for others and desiring their good, God changes our heart.

2. Do not take revenge, instead forgive
a. Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
b. When we dwell on what someone has done to us, it poisons us and not them.
c. But forgiveness is setting our heart on desiring their good and letting go of what has happened.

3. Do not avoid them
a. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
b. Avoiding someone, removing our friendship, is a form of punishment and revenge.
c. When we avoid someone, or shut them out of our lives, we will never learn anything from them, and they can never learn anything from us. Neither of us will ever be made better by the other.
d. It ends all chances of the relationship being restored.

4. Desire good for their lives
a. Romans 12:17 Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
b. We may not know what causes someone else to act a certain way, they may have things happening in their lives that are challenging and disruptive.
c. Our goal is to desire their good, to hope for their success, and to help them in any way we can.

5. Oppose them humbly
a. Romans 12:20 If your enemy is hungry feed them. If they are thirsty give them something to drink. Pour burning coals on their head.
b. The only loving way to change someone’s heart is to oppose them in humility.
c. Return evil with kindness, shower them with goodness and love.
d. Seek to build a relationship out of humility and then you will have won them over to change their lives for good.
e. Proverbs 25:11 – A gentle word can break a bone.

How can we do this? We must have a breathtaking and intimate view of our God and of what he has done for us. We must know Jesus and see him for who he is.

The only thing that will change a servant who acts like a king is to get to know a King who acts like a servant. The rightful Judge of all the earth allowed himself to be judged. Realizing what he has done for us can change our hearts, it can soften our ego and humble our pride. When we see Jesus giving himself for us, and also for others, our perspective and behavior will be changed.

in Sermon Notes /by Michael Middaugh

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