April 18, 2021 Luke 24.36b-48 "Jesus Said, 'Peace Be With You’” - Pastor Jacqueline Hines

 

April 18, 2021 Luke 24.36b-48  

"Jesus Said, 'Peace Be With You’” - Pastor Jacqueline Hines

After the crucifixion, Jesus came to the disciples alive and well just as he said he would.  All that talk about a resurrection went right over their heads. It was inconceivable to them. They liked Jesus, so when they did not understand everything he said and did, they stuck with him. That’s what good Christian friends and family members do. We stick together through thick and thin.

It is not every day that someone we know dies and comes back to life again. We know of many persons who have had near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and close encounters of the spiritual kind. There are certainly some here today who have had one or the other. Medical practitioners describe persons whom they pronounce clinically dead whose hearts have suddenly started beating again. Some hearts stop beating for a few minutes before being revived, some for a few hours.

The Lord of Creation, maker of Heaven and Earth is also the giver and sustainer of life, all life, new life, and life after death. God is altogether wonderful, unfathomable and mysterious to us.

Three days had passed since Nicodemus and Joseph had placed Jesus’ body in the tomb. In those days, there was a pandemic of violence, so few, if any, would have come to pay their last respects, especially the guilty. I once officiated at a funeral of a man who had been murdered. Police officers were present and they explained to me that they were there in hopes of making an arrest because perpetrators would often show up secretly at a funeral because they were psychologically driven for an assurance that their victim was actually dead and not alive to get revenge.

The disciples were not expecting to see Jesus again. They went on with their lives. They still managed to get together in Jesus name like good disciples do. In the meantime, Luke tells us that a couple folks on the road to Emmaus ran into Jesus, but they did not know that it was Jesus. They were so intrigued while talking with Rabbi Jesus that they invited him to supper. Over supper, they saw something familiar in the way he broke the bread. Then they realized it was Jesus and that he had indeed risen from the dead. They immediately went to Jerusalem and told the 11 disciples what happened. Verse 36 says while they were talking and testifying about Jesus, Jesus himself stood among them. The disciples “were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost.”

What a wonderful thing to be with Jesus, especially when we are terrified! …when we wonder if we have seen a ghost or perhaps when a painting unexpectedly falls of the wall - we wonder if it is the sign of assurance from a deceased loved one. At the same time, being with Jesus can be part of the reason we feel terror. In either case, God with us is a good thing.

We have all known a moment in life that was terrible and terrifying. Personally or corporately, someone somewhere is having a terrible time. Jesus healed a demon possessed man from a place called Gerasene. He was so out of control and ferocious he had to be chained up. This man lived on the streets, wandering with no clothes on. People were afraid of him. He was a desperate and scary man who, no doubt, counted his demons every night instead of his blessings. Number one blasphemy, number two chemical addictions, number three acting and speaking violently, and so on and so on. Jesus talked to his demons and sent the demons into a herd of pigs (aside making a great supper, pork is a symbol of social slime, immorality and filth). The pigs drove over a cliff, taking the demons with them. The man was now free. He got dressed and was able to talk calmly. He was overwhelmed with gratitude and wanted to stay with Jesus forever.

You would think that healing of this man’s mind was cause for celebration and thanksgiving, instead, the bible says the people were terrified. They were terrified looking at the financial loss of the ruined pork they would not be able to sell. Even today, on every street corner, in every country and every community, we can find billions of dollars of some kind of filth for sale. It is frightening for many to lose the profits of filthy lucre.

When people gathered around Jesus to hear the truth and be set free and to hear of the love of God it was in stark opposition to the Chief Priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees who were more invested in their political positions and profits. They were afraid because they knew that the power they had claimed for themselves was not rightfully theirs. Now they would have to accept the fact that power belongs to God. The kingdom they had built, and were now afraid they would lose, was self-righteous and self-serving. Perhaps they felt a “Holy Terror.” Good things are terrifying when they uproot and expose any bad things we’ve built up in our lives. Unholy things grow wild until they are carefully weeded out by their roots.

 Jesus was good, and sometimes good disrupts our lives. It reminds me of some people who win a lot of money in the lottery or receive a great inheritance. Money is good and a lot of good can be accomplished with money, but in a year or so, some soon become broke because the weeds in their life – perhaps lack of knowledge, discipline or self-control – suck the life out of beautiful possibilities.

I had a neighbor who suffered greatly in her relationships with her emotionally detached husband, her incarcerated heroin addicted son, and a teenaged grandson who exhibited symptoms of pyromania and other distressing and dangerous behaviors. We prayed together often so she would have the direction and comfort to endure. She had also suffered from a growth on her neck. When she went to the beauty parlor, they could not even put a towel around her because the pain from the lump on her neck was so intense. Soon after we prayed for healing, the lump went away. However, the pain in her neck was the reason she was eligible for the disability checks which she was receiving regularly from the government. Her healing was a good thing, but it was a disruption at the same time. Her healing could leave her without that income and challenge her to find a job. That was a bit terrifying.

We don’t have to go far in this world to see something terrifying.  In these days, God help the person who is living without the peace of Christ! Family counselors are telling us that the pandemic is threatening our inner peace. Americans are drinking more, hurting more, scamming more, eating more, hating more, and suffering more depression and anxiety.

Just like the disciples, we may find ourselves huddled in a room terrified by what could possibly go wrong next. Jesus knew that the disciples were anxious about many things. The first thing he said to them was “Peace be with you.”

Whatever it is that is bothering you, Jesus is standing beside you, too, saying “Peace be with you.” Whatever is upsetting you, irritating you, unraveling you, scaring you, assaulting you, troubling you, or hindering you, Jesus is standing beside you with the power of the resurrection saying, “Peace be with you.”

During this pandemic, professionals encourage us to stay positive, to

keep our heads up, above the troubled waters. We are reminded to take deep breaths to keep calm, keep a routine, to exercise, eat more vegetables and fruit, to be kind to each other and to stay connected to one another. All these ideas are infused with the resurrection power of Jesus.  They enable us to keep the peace of Jesus in our hearts. We need peace desperately. Without it, we would fall apart.

By the grace of God, we can handle all the trouble that comes our way because we have the resurrection power of peace inside of us. We sing about peace, we experience peace in our families and communities, we see the results of our peace keeping efforts unfolding before us. Peace is the atmosphere we need to build something great and support the Body of Christ in fulfilling its present and future missions. 

We are witnesses to the great things that can happen when the peace of God is in our lives. Peace is good, though occasionally peace disturbs the peace, like the calm before a storm or the strained stillness of complacency, nonchalance, and indifference.

 

We have shared Jesus’ peace among our family, friends, strangers, and neighbors far and near. Our whole lifestyle and being resonate with the good news of the kingdom of God which is peace, joy and righteousness in the Holy Spirit. Like the John and Peter running to see Jesus, there is running in our feet to proclaim that He’s alive, the kingdom of God is a real place in time. And when times are at their worst, verse 47 gives us the best news of all. We Christians have this good news to tell, not only that Jesus is alive and stands among us granting us peace, but we are the evidence. We have given and received repentance and forgiveness of sins to prove it. That raises our lives from the grave every time. 

As Jesus stood among them ⁴⁴  he said to them, … “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things.”

Jesus has a witness in you and in me.  Yes, there is a witness in the house of God. We are here and we know the peace that repentance and forgiveness brings because we practice it prayerfully. Yes, by the grace of God, we are all witnesses, we are the peace makers and the peace keepers of a powerful resurrection peace and in these days, we are running and passing it on everywhere we go. Amen.

 

 

April 11, 2021 “Lamb of God Who Takes Away Our Needs” Pastor Hines

 

April 11, 2021

“Lamb of God Who Takes Away Our Needs”

Pastor Hines

 

Here in the book of Acts, we hear from Luke the physician, a personal friend and perhaps convert of the Apostle Paul. Luke is understood to be the author of the Gospel of Luke as well as the author of the book of Acts. Of all the gospel writers, Luke is said to be the only non-Jew. Luke was a gentile, and like us Gentiles two thousand years later, he declares that this Jewish Jesus has risen from the dead. We are beginning to understand that culture does not count more than community. Today, we find ourselves in the twilight of Easter and naturally among many cultures and contexts that differ from ours.

We remember the first Easter as if it were yesterday. Despite the pandemic, our Easters are filled with gorgeous tulips, weather warm enough to wear a new spring outfit, and happy children enjoying festivals organized just for them. The first Easter celebration, no doubt,  had its good times. The book of Acts tells us of the very first Christians and gives us a very dramatic picture of the early church.  There were troubling and even tragic moments, but every generation has them. We often think the first century church differs from us in that it had more power. You may remember hearing stories about their power to heal the sick, raise the dead and drive out demons.

The gospels tell us that when the resurrection was happening, supernatural things happened. A foreboding darkness filled the sky. Most considered it an important spiritual sign that God was watching and God was not pleased. There was a big earthquake that came from Heaven to shake things up. There is even telling of Saints who were raised from the dead, proving once again that it is God who has the last word.  We were not there but, we have probably experienced firsthand some situation that was undeniably mysterious, something that makes us think that there is more to this life than we know. We may not be able to prove or even understand the resurrection, but if we have had a relationship with Jesus at all, if we have seen anything in this world that has shocked or surprised us, we probably have no doubt that with God, anything is possible!

More and more we are understanding that there are things that exist that we cannot see with a naked eye such as radio waves and cyberspace. The things we cannot see are more lasting than the things we can see. Our bodies and our buildings deteriorate day by day, but spiritual things last generation after generation. Smart phones, robots who do surgery, and ships that travel light-years away into space have super intelligence will decay, but God’s love is forever.

Throughout history, Christians have read about the miraculous and powerful things that happened in the New Testament and we thought that God intended the exact same things to happen for real Christians for all times and in the same detail. It has not worked that way. Hope-filled Christians have died picking up poisonous snakes after reading about them in the bible. People have prayed for healing and when it did not happen instantly, they were tormented with guilt after being told the prayers did not work because they lack faith, or worse, God wanted them to suffer because they are not good enough, worthy, or too sinful.

Christians have set up tent meeting services, faking deliverances from demons and pushing and prompting people in prayer lines in order to encourage them to fall out in the spirit. Some do fall, not because of the move of God, but because they have grown weary of loud, repetitive prayers of insistence. And, of course, some do fall under the power of the Holy Spirit.

Church history has shown that we are driven by the desire to have power to take away our misery and the sooner the better. Some folks show up on Sunday morning, saying to themselves, “I am going there because they’ve got the glitz and the glamor of power.” More often than not we fail to realize that power belongs to God. Psalm 62 says ¹¹ One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God,¹² and with you, Lord, is unfailing love.” We need to show up for the love of God, with our love for God and be ready to give thanks for WHATEVER power or anything else God has for us.

In the first chapter of Acts, Luke retells a dinner time conversation with Jesus when he says they will receive power, they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit and they will be witnesses. In other words, their words and their lives were soon to reflect the love and power that Jesus showed when he was living on earth, because it was now going to be alive in them. 

Just like humans look for love in all the wrong places, humans look for power in all the wrong places. We wonder if God wants today’s miracles to look the same as they did 2000 years ago. It seems to me that God has given us modern medicine which has brought us miraculous healings of our bodies and greater cures than we have ever known before. We have new hearts, limbs, and lungs. Vision is corrected and surgically restored. Medicines relieve pain, therapeutic counselors get minds back on track and psychiatrists restore brains with prescriptions. It is unfathomable and hardly believable what God has enabled the fields of medical research and science to accomplish for us. We are first hand witnesses of the power of God to bring new life and wellbeing for Americans, and we have cooperated and collaborated and shared that power with the whole world.

Power belongs to God and before we go to the doctor to whom God has given some wonder working power, we do well to go to God with our praise and thanksgiving. Power belongs to God, so before we go to the politician to whom God has given some political power, we do well to go to God with our praise and thanksgiving. Power belongs to God, and if before we go to the bank in hopes of prospering, we go to God with our praise and thanksgiving, we do well. Power belongs to God and before we go to any relationship, it is good to go to God with gratitude for the one who can lead us in the path that we should go and who loves us with an everlasting love. Power belongs to God. 

The book of Acts tells (11.26) us that the first church was founded in Antioch and it was there that they were first called Christians. Antioch was in ancient Syria. With border changes, the city is now said to be in Turkey, where there might be a museum of ancient Roman and, remotely possible, even artifacts and references to Christianity.

Early Christians met in house churches like so many do today around the world. Even Bethel began as a house church beginning as a Sunday school class before the civil war. Through divine intervention, we are here today. 

The early Christians met in homes, most likely in secret. They met to pray and seek the peace and protection of God from those who crucified Jesus and would likely persecute them because they were his followers. Luke describes these amazing early Christians in verse 32 as having the power of God. It reads, “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” If having one heart and soul and sharing possessions is not a miracle, I don’t know what is! Unity is a miracle. Togetherness is a product of Divine intervention. Harmony does a body of Christ good. Oneness is a wonderful thing. Cooperation creates community.  The power of God helps us to be good and to do good. Years ago, I was a social worker in South Philadelphia for United Methodist Neighborhood services. The City paid for 20 teenage counselors to work in my summer camps. Most kids lived in nearby Passyunk Homes Housing Projects.   When the application of one my young men was rejected, I was convinced and convicted to do something. The City caseworker assigned to us was a military veteran known for his stern and sour demeanor. Nevertheless, not totally conscious that God was doing something supernatural, I called the caseworker, let him know I was on my way to his office to complete this young man’s application. I arrived at his desk with my
student. Ever so gently, I instructed him to complete the application while listening to his now soft voice fussing and resisting as if he had no idea what hit him. However, he did exactly what I asked him to do and exactly what he had said he was not going to do. It was as if the Holy Spirit was moving with a special purpose and plan. The task was done and it occurred to me that God had a plan that was bigger than me, bigger than the young man for whom I was advocating and bigger than a hard-nosed military worker. It was a miracle. By the power of God, we were made one heart and one mind in spite of ourselves.

Verse 33 tells us that with great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Any story of Jesus is powerful. Telling a story of Jesus is powerful and it stirs up the power of God in our lives. Telling what we have experienced when we have walked with Jesus, primes the pump for the Holy Spirit to flow and come gushing out and fulfilling whatever purpose God has in mind. The power of God makes us good and makes us do good.

The early church was united. The early church had a powerful witness of the Holy Spirit working in their lives. They even sold what they had and shared it with others. As a result, verse 34 says “There was not a needy person among them.”  How awesome is it that!! God met the needs of the people through the church and God is still doing so today.

Gospel musician Richard Smallwood wrote a song that is perfect for every Christian Community anytime, especially for communion. It says, ‘Everything you need is at the table where the feast of the Lord is spread. Peace, and love, and healing, salvation, and joy are all at the table prepared for us. Everything we need is at the table.’

All across the globe, the church can be found. We are called to a common table and invited as children of the living God to feast together as one family. At the table we are full and satisfied. When we leave the table, we are able to help and provide for others wherever God leads us. I believe as we go into the world with one heart and a powerful testimony, needs are constantly met until there will not be a needy one among us, I if only for one day. For we are following the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Surely he has had mercy on us and we can open our hearts to one another. Where he leads us, we find our daily bread, enough to satisfy as well as to share, and by the power of the Holiest Spirit, we do the same the next day, too. Amen.

March 28, 2021 Palm Sunday “What Are You Doing?” Pastor Jacqueline Hines

 The gospel of Mark finds the disciples on the way to Jerusalem. Oh Jerusalem! It was and is the city of God. No matter where you were, North, South, West or East, so many times in the bible, those on their way to Jerusalem, are said to be “going up” to Jerusalem. For going to meet the Lord is to go upward and onward.

Jesus and his disciples were said to be near Bethphage – which we know very little about accept the name. Names and places go in and out of style and in and out of usage. For example, most of us have never heard a Chester County neighborhood named after Jerome Titlow from North Coventry. Titlow was a second generation abolitionist who housed slaves fortunate enough to have escaped. The Corner of New Hanover Street and Cedarville Road is known to some Bethel members as “Titlow’s Corner!”

Bethphage was probably a little neighborhood village. One source suggests it was known for growing a certain fig that never appears to look ripe. They were a reminder that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Bethphage was close to Jerusalem just as Titlow’s home on the Underground Railroad was close to Bethel UMC.

Not only does Mark tells us that the Disciples and Jesus were near the barely known Bethphage, but they were near Bethany the home of Lazarus who was raised from the dead. One modern name for Bethany is “Azariyeh” an Arabic derivative of “Lazarion” referring to the place of Lazarus. 

According to Mark, Jerusalem was also near the Mount of Olives at Gethsemane where Jesus prayed with drops of blood – a sign of stress, before he was falsely arrested then executed by crucifixion. Jesus and the disciples were near these three places on their way to Jerusalem, the city of God. Bethphage, Bethany, the Mount of Olives all real places, regardless of how true to any facts.

Jesus sent, not one, but two of his disciples on ahead for “donkey duty.” The bible says two is better than one. Many times, disciples are sent in teams of two. Go get a donkey and if anyone asks you, “What are you doing?” tell them, the Lord needs it. They did as they were instructed. They found a colt. As they were untying it, bystanders did ask, “What are you doing?” They answered as Jesus instructed, “The Lord needs it.” And those questioning, did not try to stop them. It was as simple as that.

Life is simpler when we follow Jesus’ instructions! We might say, the Christian’s life has some clear challenges, and that is true. Yet, without Jesus, life is much harder in the end. We may all have our share of donkey duty, our mess to endure and clean up. We may have to tame unridden, unbridled spirits of fear, shyness, but we also get to walk in the victory parade!

Verse 7 tells us when they brought the colt to Jesus, they threw their cloaks on it; and Jesus sat on it. It was now fit for a king, more comfortable than riding bare back. In those days coats were as important as they are today, and to turn them into a saddle for Jesus was not only an honor, but a sacrifice. It is not like they had five more coats at home in those days.

First Century clothes came at a very steep price. By the time you fleeced a sheep for its wool, groomed an ox for his leather, a fox for his fur, harvested a plant for its fiber, or a worm for silk, you had spent weeks just to get the materials to make the clothes.  

Finding sea creatures and plants to make dyes and crafters to decorate a piece of clothing involved even time. One could appreciate having only one coat, and one pair of shoes would be no reason to complain.

Just having a warm, sturdy blanket was so valuable in ancient times that it could be pawned or put up as collateral for a loan. Exodus 22.26 warns any Jewish loan officer to do justice and show mercy and return the coat before sunset, to give it back – no doubt, regardless of what was still owed. One blanket was all some had to keep warm and covered in the cool of the evening.

Even in this modern industrial age when machines and robots can do anything we can do, and do it faster, cheaper, and flawlessly, we still recognize, appreciate and delight in many things made by hand from scratch. Often a meal made from scratch is more nutritious and delicious than one from a box, can, or bag. A quilt made with care and love, passed down from generation to generation, is priceless and uniquely beautiful.

Experts say we have paid too high a price for conveniences. Fast food, for example has ruined our health. 

The US may be the wealthiest country in the world, though, ironically, we research and develop more medicines, use more pharmaceuticals, and have the highest medical costs in the world. It has gotten to the point that we avoid the cost of going to the doctor and some cannot even afford to pay for medications, and they are  costing a great deal more than they are worth. 

 

That’s why we must pray. Only a miracle working God can save us from our greedy, price gouging, immoral hearts that are so lacking in compassion. During this pandemic while others lost their jobs and their homes overnight, billionaires gained another 913 billion more. Yes. We are grateful for unemployment benefits, the Payroll Protection Act, stimulus checks, new laws that safeguard the interest of citizens, and churches and communities working together. Yes, we are grateful. God has indeed blessed America. However, the statistics testify that there is still much work to do.

The disciples fetched the colt and put their cloaks on it so Jesus could ride like royalty. What are we doing? The world of fabric has changed since the times of Jesus. Leather, silk, cotton, flax and other natural materials don’t allow us to fill our closets to the brim. It’s too expensive. Instead, we find labels that say - polyester, nylon, acrylic, manmade, spandex, lurex, viscose, and other. Advocates for a greener planet tell us that these human made fabrics contaminate us, effecting our lungs and throwing our hormones out of balance. Still, it is hard to imagine our world without Micky Dees that keeps us from spending hours in the kitchen instead of on Facebook with friends or on the job making more money. What can we do without wash and wear clothes that look perfectly pressed unlike cotton and linen that stay wrinkled? 

Every generation struggles with how to get back to basics, to faithfully cooperate and care for this beautiful earth God has created for us to meet our needs and enjoy. We may not be able to go back to the “good old days.” We may not be able to repair the damage all at once. But, if bystanders ask “What are you doing?,” In the midst of this cacophony of conversation, we want to be doing what Jesus tells us to do. What is Jesus telling you to do? If we are listening, surely Jesus has something to say to every one of us! What do you hear?

The disciples put their coats on the donkey while others, according to verse 8, put their coats on the road as they shouted Hosanna for the coming of the king. What an outrageously bold and humble way to show respect. Every culture has a way. Like his extraordinary mother Mary, Jesus was blessed and highly favored. They were honoring him as worthy of sacrifice and praise. They were honoring him as more valuable than even their prized possession. 

Those without cloaks cut leaves from the fields and – again with no factory made machines to plant and harvest – those fields were tended solely by the sweat of someone’s brow. What we have in our hands to honor Jesus is not to be taken lightly.

“Hosanna, Hosanna,” they cried out as Jesus rode by. It seems that day everything that had breath began praising the Lord, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were praised without restraint.

“Hosanna.” You are the blessed one. “Hosanna.” You are the one who saves. “Hosanna.” In the highest, the highest heavens. The highest honor and the highest hopes were in those loud “Hosanna’s.” The highest praise and the highest joy and happiness and desire for deliverance are in the cross made from palm leaves that we wave while echoing the age old “Hosannas.”

The world is watching and waiting as Jesus rides by. What are you doing? What prized possession can you lay down in order to show the honor and respect due to the wonderful name of Jesus? What are you doing? Amen.

 

 

 

 

March 21, 2021 Rev. Bumkoo Chung, West District Superintendent “New Teaching” Mark 1.21-28

On this fifth Sunday of Lent, I hope you have heard the voice of God and have renewed your faith and trust in the God who can make us new. Our messenger today is the District Superintendent of the West District of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church Rev. Bumkoo Chung.

The Word of God comes from the Mark 1.21-28

21They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.

25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

27They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

28At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Sermon - “A New Teaching.” Rev. Bumkoo Chung, West District Super Intendent

In today’s Scripture reading, we see Jesus teaching in the synagogue, and the people who are listening to Jesus’ teaching are very amazed. Verse 22 says like this “ 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the scribes.”

The contemporary Bible “the Message” translates the same verse in a bit different expression. It says, “They were surprised at his teaching – so forthright, so confident- not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.”

The people who listened to Jesus words were amazed because his teaching was not like the scribes teaching.

The scribes were the experts of the law and they were recognized as the religious scholars, so that they interpreted God’s words and taught people in the synagogue.

As today’s scripture says, there were people at the synagogue as usual; however, these people were experiencing something new that they never had experienced before. They were amazed by Jesus’s teaching. They were surprised by Jesus’s teaching. They were touched by Jesus’s teaching. They were moved by Jesus’s teaching. They were excited by Jesus’s teaching. They were changed by Jesus’s teaching.

Because, Jesus’ teaching had power, Jesus’ teaching was so forthright, Jesus’ teaching had a real authority, Jesus’ teaching was authentic, and Jesus’ teaching was alive.

The scribes were the religious scholars; however, they were false teachers. They used God’s words to justify their own interests and benefits.

They were hypocrites; they acted differently from what they were taught. Their teaching was enough to make people feel guilty about what they were doing, but it did not have power to bring the salvation into their lives.

Their teaching provided people with some useful standards to judge and criticize other people’s lives but it did not work to find their own problems.

As we are Christians, as we are readers and interpreters of the Bible, we always have to be aware of the possible mistakes that we could make like the scribes did. When we read the Bible, we have to apply God’s words to our own lives not to others. When we read the Bible, we have to use what we read as a mirror to reflect on our own lives, not other people’s lives. We don’t have to criticize other people using the Bible. God is the only one who judges people.

For this reason, we have to first listen to God before we talk about God. We have to carefully study God’s words to interpret the God’s words. We have to spend enough time praying and asking the Holy Spirit to help us understand what we read. We have to be more listeners than speakers in front of God.

Jesus taught people and the people were amazed by his teaching. And, suddenly Jesus met a man with an “unclean spirit.”

Kids like to say “you’re so evil.” When I was a youth pastor, I told kids not to say those words to their friends, but they still said “you’re so evil.”

One day, I was wondering myself about the meaning of the “evil.”

Many theologians define “evil” as the negative and destructive power that opposes and resists the will of God and the plan of creation.

When we say “you’re so evil,” it does not mean that you are the evil being but it means that you are controlled and driven by evil forces.

As Jesus was teaching at the Synagogue, there was a man with an unclean spirit.

So Jesus met a man who were controlled by evil forces.

There are many different kinds of evil forces in the world. Evil is a force to block brining justice into the world.

The evil powers seek war to destroy the society and the world. The evil powers will do whatever it takes to destroy the Church, the body of Christ. The evil powers exploit children, women and elderly people who are very vulnerable. The evil powers are the “wrong” economic systems which create a deep gap between poor and rich.

This is the evil that Jesus wants to cast out from us.

Look at the first reaction of the man with “an unclean spirit,” when he saw Jesus. v. 24, he says, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-- the Holy One of God!"

This “evil spirit” recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God. However, he does not welcome Jesus.

Just right before this event, (Mk 1:14-20), Simon, Andrew, John and James met Jesus and were called by Jesus. After they met Jesus Christ, they left everything-- their lives, jobs, and family, and they immediately followed Jesus Christ.

However, when this man with “an unclean spirit” met Jesus, he reacts very differently. Instead of accepting and following Jesus, he rejects Jesus and he complains against Jesus, saying “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? “have you come to destroy us?”

Yes, Jesus came to us to destroy our sinful attitudes, and sinful minds. Jesus came to us to destroy our old sinful life and give us a new life.

Jesus came to us to destroy our sin, and give us salvation and an eternal life.

How many times have we refused Jesus coming into our lives? How many times have we been afraid of being destroyed our status quo by Jesus Christ? How many times have we said “no” to Jesus when Jesus came to change our lives? How many times we said “no” to Jesus when Jesus came to destroy our past sinful lives and give us a new life?

In the verse 25, “Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’” And, finally, the unclean spirit came out from him.

In this story, we can experience the love of God, one more time. First, Jesus embraces the man who was controlled by “an evil spirit.” Even though the society excluded him, Jesus embraced him with love and care. Jesus didn’t ignore the man with an unclean spirit.

Secondly, Jesus heals this man casting out the “evil spirit” from him. Jesus gives him a new life. Jesus gives him a new hope of life. Jesus brings him the salvation. Jesus brings him the liberation. Jesus loves us this much.

After seeing all these things, people were amazed one more time, and they asked themselves, saying, in verse 27, “What is this? A new teaching….” Yes, this is a new teaching. Jesus’ teaching is a new teaching. It is very different from the scribes’ teaching.

Jesus teaching has the power. Jesus’ teaching is so forthright. Jesus’ teaching has the authority. Jesus’ teaching is authentic. Jesus’ teaching is alive.

Jesus teaching changes our lives. Jesus teaching touches our hearts. Jesus teaching liberates us from our old sinful life. Jesus teaching brings us a new hope. Jesus teaching brings us the salvation.

 Are we ready to accept Jesus’ new teaching? Amen.

 

Lord, you make all things new. Create is us ears that listen and hearts that care. Bless those in need this day – the persecuted, the homeless, the scattered, the hungry, the hopeless, the addicted, the afraid, the caregivers, the lonely, those sick at heart or body or mind. Draw us close to you, receive us as we sit at your feet, lead us to the rock that is higher than us. We pray as you taught us…

Our father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

May the God who can, make us new!

Next week is Palm Sunday and we go to the gospel of Mark chapter 4. Our 10 a.m. service will feature a young guest musician, a violinist named Jody Goodhart. The message is “What Are You Doing?”

 

  

If you would like to make your contribution to the great ministry and mission of Bethel, the website is 

Or you can send it to 952 Bethel Church Road, Spring City, Pa. 19475.  

God bless you!   

 

March 14, 2021 Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark, South District Superintendent “Called For Such A Time as This” Esther 4.14, Mark 1.14-20

And this is the fourth Sunday of Lent! We trust your journey has been one of delightful fellowship with the God who cares!  Our District Superintendent Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark is brand new on our South District, and she is one of the most spirit-filled and spirit focused prayer warriors you will ever meet. Prepare your hearts for a blessed word from the Lord. 

The Word of God reads from the book of Esther 4.14

Esther 4:14 NKJV

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Let us also hear from Mark 1.14-20 where Jesus calls the disciples.

14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.

20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

 

“Called for Such A Time as This.” Ready your hearts for a glorious message!

Called for Such a Time as This

Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark, South District Superintendent

I give praise to God and honor to Bishop Peggy Johnson, the Cabinet and all the clergy and laity of the Eastern PA Conference. I am Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark, District Superintendent of the SUPER South, where the people minister with faithfulness and service. I am so happy to be with you and I’m grateful for God’s presence with us uniting us all over the Conference through this Cabinet sermon series. The sermon today is entitled “Called for Such a Time as This”. I am reading from the Old Testament in the NKJ version from the book of Esther 4:14. “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

I am also reading from the Gospel according to Mark 1: 14-20 also in the NKJ version. “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. The Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in the boat mending their nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.” This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Won’t you pray with me.

I have often heard the phrase used, “Called for such a Time as This”. In fact, I’ve probably used it myself on more than one occasion. But who knew such a time as this would come to us? And yet we, clergy and laity, have been called by God to proclaim the still living Gospel in such a time as this. The proclamation of such a time as this is used when times are dire and arduous, when the strong, the bold, and those who will take their stand at the front of the confrontation step forward. Those persons are called leaders for a reason! They lead when leadership is needed without hesitation! It’s in their DNA.

But wait! Those with the DNA to run to the front lines are not the only ones who receive the urgent message crying out about ‘such a time as this”. It is the everyday, ordinary person who rarely leads, never runs to the front line, who questions ‘why me’ and asks what about those other persons who have the DNA of leadership.

In both of the examples which were highlighted in the Scripture readings, the times were dangerous. The persons to whom the statements were directed, Esther and the fishermen, were persons who would probably wait for someone else to take the lead and maybe, just maybe, follow them. They were not the ones who would raise their voices to rally others! This is the whole point! There comes a time when those who are the ones on the sidelines or in the rear of the crowd are called to move forward for God, for righteousness, for peace, for justice.

It is in this light that we find the text from Mark so poignant. It is at this point in time when the work of God had come under assault. We understand that from the very beginning Jesus started His public ministry in difficult times. John, Jesus first cousin, who baptized Jesus and whose mission was to prepare the way for the coming Messiah, was imprisoned! The outspoken voice of God had been, if not silenced, at least quieted. Well, if John was imprisoned, who would speak, Jesus? Yes, but not alone. Jesus would need others to help and to be prepared for the time when His voice would no longer be heard in the gathering places. Despite the fact that John is no longer the voice crying in the wilderness, the plan of God began to unfold right there in the midst of all the mess.

For such a time as this, Jesus called His first disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John. These regular men would share the ministry of proclaiming the Gospel and continue to expand the ministry after Jesus had ascended into heaven. These common men, these ordinary people were fishermen. Seemingly, they were unprepared for the journey and work Jesus called them for. It would appear that there was a huge difference between the work they were called from and the work they were called to. They would no longer catch fish; they would be fishers of people!

Maybe the work was not so different!? Fishing is not a simple task. Have you ever watched the series ‘River Monsters”? The central character in the series is Jeremy Wade, who is referred to as an “extreme angler”. It was because of this series that I came to know a little bit about the complexities of fishing.

The first thing about fishing has to do with context. One must be clear about what you are trying to catch.  Fish lead very different lives. Some are salt water dwellers, and others live in fresh water. Some fish live in oceans, while others live in lakes, rivers or streams. The context dictates the type of equipment required to catch the fish. Ocean dwellers are usually large and strong fish and require heavy fishing rods and reels, while fish found in lakes, rivers and streams don’t need that.  You must be knowledgeable about the setting and the environment in which you are fishing. It’s the same with people. People live in so many different environments and contexts that not all types of personalities, attitudes, concerns, etc. will make you an effective angler to catch men and women, boys and girls in their particular places.

In addition, the bait you use to catch your target fish is also crucial. It all depends upon the types of fish you want to catch. Flies or insects will catch some fish. Maybe worms will be better for other fish. For larger fish meat or other fish of smaller sizes is more appealing. Fishermen have to be able to get that baited hook into the mouth of the fish. Disciples have to be able to get the Word of God into the hearts of people. Not every evangelistic approach or ministry plan will get the attention or interest of every person. We have to continue to try different approaches.

The discipling person must get to know the concerns, needs, desires, problems and issues facing the persons with whom you are sharing the Gospel. Get to know the people you’re trying to reel in. It’s all about relationship. I’m sure you heard that before, but it warrants repeating.

When Jesus came to John the Baptist at the Jordon, John told Jesus effectively, ‘I’ve been waiting for you. It’s time for you to take over’. It sounds like John was tired. I hear disciples all over the connection saying they’re tired, but this is not the time to give up. Jesus essentially told John, ‘Patience my friend; it has to be this way for now”. When you’re doing the Lord’s work, when we’re fulfilling the call to be fishers of people, keep fishing and be patient. Anybody who loves fishing will tell you it takes a lot of patience to be successful at it.

These are perilous times. You know that. We are God’s people called to accomplish the plan God in these perilous times. Be an extreme angler. Your buildings may be closed, but you have been deployed to go out of the walls of your church and fish for people. Use every means you have to increase the Kingdom. Bait the hook. People are hungry and searching for food, help, connection, relationship, someone to talk to and someone to listen. Use this time to increase your knowledge, plan and organize for this new post pandemic season. Change your community; change the world. So, now let’s get to it! Let' do it. Let’s go fishing!

God of us all, our times and seasons are in your hands. You are in control. You are in charge. We surrender. We submit to your glorious will and your way that leads to life. Help us from day to day to listen and to hear that we might please you, walk with you and be a blessing.  We pray as you taught the disciples.

Our father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

May the God who can, make us new!

Next week we go to the book of Mark chapter 1 and our West District Superintendent Rev. Bumkoo Chung will bring the message “A New Teaching.”

If you would like to make your contribution to the great ministry and mission of Bethel, the website is

Or you can send it to 952 Bethel Church Road, Spring City, Pa. 19475.

God bless you!