Roger's Postings

Thursday, December 31, 2009

1 Peter 1:22-25. What is important? 31/12/09

(22) Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. {23} For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. {24} For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, {25} but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.

Well, here we are at the end of another year and the beginning of a new one. At this point, the question needs to be asked: are we any wiser and any better prepared for the future as a result of this last year? Have we learnt something that will enable us to better cope with the future and be able to be of help to others in the time ahead?

Now as we take an opportunity to look back; there has been a lot happen in our lives and in life in general. Each us of have had our personal traumas and good times. Our society, nation and world, has experienced all kinds of events, good, bad and otherwise. Without wanting to simply be pessimistic, we would have to say that by and large the bad has had a far greater impact than the good. The war in the Middle East; the Recession; Climate Change; Black Saturday; murders; accidents, the death of a loved one; and the list goes on.

But the real question is; have we learnt anything from these experiences to take with us into the New Year, or are we going to go blindly forward to face another year and again be hassled, frustrated and perhaps even devastated on many occasions? Are we simply going to head into the future hoping that somehow it will all work out for us, and that somehow the New Year is going to make all the difference?

Here we need to take note of what really has and is happening around us in these events that are far from what we expect, like or hoped for. Here, we must not be fooled by the bravado and self-confidence that many seem to show, or the help and good deeds that are done in the midst of these difficulties. Because most often these outward positives cover a great deal hurt and insecurity below surface. There is in these events a clamouring to find some good; some hope; so that we can avoid focussing on the real problem. That being the case we need to look deeply and learn, because as we look and listen we will find a great deal of wisdom in our text before us this evening. "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."

As we think about this, where are all the great self-made men of yesterday-year. We only need to think of the great Bond's, Packer’s and the like; but even when we think of those seemingly successful people of history, the end result is no different. The same goes for the ordinary, everyday men and women who are no longer with us. For all, their glory has withered and fallen to nothing: their lives and their good has been here today and gone tomorrow.

The lesson here for us all is that sooner or later we will all travel down that same road. It could be sooner than we think rather than later. No matter who we are or what resources we have at our disposal, not one of us can avoid this inevitable conclusion. Just because we are still alive at this point, doesn’t make us any better, or give any greater hope for the future. That surely is the first great message of this last year for each of us: the inevitability of death and the seeming meaninglessness of our lives, lies before each one of us.

In the midst of the disasters of life, there is only one thing that will carry the day. There is only one thing that continues to be there through thick and thin. That is where this reading before us then turns our focus and gives us any hope. Yes, mankind may be like grass and wither and fall; but the word of the Lord remains forever. God's Word is always there. Many a great man or woman has stood in history and had some great philosophy or good deed, but where are they today: Whereas the Word of God has carried right down through the ages to this very day. And I can assure you it will still be there long after you and I have departed this life. This Word has and will continue to give many people the one hope and assurance that we need to hear throughout. This Word points us to the once source of life that goes beyond the death that lies before us, and this Word assures us that those who are connected to this source of life have life beyond the death we experience here in these disasters.


So there is something constant and trustworthy in midst of the ups and downs of life, and above all in the face of the disaster of death that we all face. That surely is very Good News for us as we reflect on what has and is happening in our world and as we begin another new year. To know that there is something constant and trustworthy helps us make sense of all that happens in life, and enables us to go forward with a sure sense of confidence, peace and hope in the midst of the disasters of a world gone wrong.

Now of course that Word is going to be of no use to us if we ignore it and do not take it to heart. It is all very well saying, God will not let us down; but if we turn our backs on him and do not listen to and read his Word, and do not want to live in that relationship with him that he seeks for us, then can we expect anything but trouble? The Word is there to guide and help us. It does lead us on the path that is helpful for us and those around us. So take notice of what it says. Not just on those few occasions when we sit in church, but listening to and hearing God's Good News and directions for living, and being active in our relationship with him each and every day of our lives.

Then as we listen, read and meditate on that Word we will find that the God who stands in the midst of that Word loves us very much. He loves us so much that he sent his own dear Son into our world: into the very heart of our disasters. The whole message of Christmas is that God has come to be with us: to be with us in our troubles and death.

He came to be with us, to again remind us of why disaster and death are very much a part of our world and why we now cannot avoid them. He came reminding that it is the rebellion of humanity against God and our selfishness that is the root of every disaster. Because we do not take his Word seriously and we continually go against it, in order to simply do as we please, this is why we reap the disaster of death in whatever form it comes.

But God’s Son came to then go on and provide a way through death for us to then have life. So he came to be ‘with us’ and to take our sin on himself; dying on a cross so that we will not be punished, with an eternity in Hell: Instead that we might have forgiveness for all of our sin; all of our failings, and thereby have the assurance of eternal life with God in heaven. Then Jesus was raised again from the dead so that we can be sure that he has all power in heaven and on earth: over evil, death and every disaster: and that his promises are sure and trustworthy; so there is life and salvation for us in Jesus Christ. Now then, nothing need separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

So now, it is this Word of the Lord that stands forever, as God’s Good News in the midst of a disastrous world. This is the Word of the Lord that is as applicable today, as the day it was written, and will be throughout history.

So as we move forward into new a New Year, let us not forget this message. ‘All mankind is like grass, and all their glory is like wild flowers. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord remains for ever.’
And this word is the Good News of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross, that has been preached to us, and into which we were incorporated when we were baptized. It is the same Good News of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation that we receive week by week as we come forward to the Lord’s Table and receive Jesus’ very body and blood which he shed on the cross for us all. It is the same Good News that now goes with us as we live out our lives every day and as we face every disaster and even death itself. For now we know, that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

So listen and learn from the experiences of these past years, and the disasters of life. Most importantly listen and learn from the Word of the Lord for: there we have the one constant thing that we all need. There we find the message that we need to hear as we face life and death in whatever form it comes. For there we find that God himself is right there with us in the midst of every disaster that we face. Then, and then only, will we find and have great blessing as we go forward in life; and have the peace, hope and joy that is ours in Christ Jesus. So in a disastrous world, all glory and honour is to go to our great God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; for to him alone we can look and trust as we go forward and face life in whatever way it comes. A blessed New Year to you all. AMEN
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Colossians 3:12-17. If Christ came to you this Christmas?? 27/12/09

{12} Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. {13} Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. {14} And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. {15} Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. {16} Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. {17} And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Was Friday, and today for that matter, a holiday for you? Or was it a holy day? In other words, was it merely a day of relaxation, eating and drinking; an opportunity to sit back and enjoy a quiet time, or was it something significantly more? Yes, we could fit church in there somewhere, but in many ways, it was just a break from normal life; or was it a truly special day? If it was a holy day, it means Christ was born anew in you. Then that being the case - what difference does it make for your life? What does it mean that Jesus is a part of your life yesterday, today and forever? These are some important questions we need to ask ourselves now that Christmas day has once again come and gone.

It is obvious that many go through Christmas without any great change
taking place in their lives. There is no renewal that has taken place:
Christ meaning no more today than he did last week. For them, Friday was merely a holiday: a festive day with family and friends: a day to eat, drink and be merry - for who knows, we might not be here next year. Yes, perhaps they went to church. After all, it is the right thing to do; just to let God know that we haven't forgotten him completely. But that is not what Christmas is all about.

Christmas means, Christ come to be with us: come to be a reality in our life. And that is what happened on Friday; Christ came to every one of us. He came to share life with us: He came seeking to be the most important part of our lives. He came to do something about mending that relationship we had broken with God and those around us.

However, sadly far too many, were too wrapped up in the presents, Christmas dinner and other things, to recognize and even give thought to him. There were too many other things to do and think about: too many other cares and hassles that they were involved in.

But for those of us whom Christmas has touched: that Christ touched through his presence with us, is what made this Christmas special.
Again, there is now change taking place in our lives, with Christ's presence bringing transformation for our lives.

Our reading this morning tells us something of what is part of this Christmas present that came to be with us. Christ's presence among us means that we now become more compassionate toward one another;
Kinder and more humble in our living of life: gentler and more patient in our dealings with others. Now for some of us that is really something. But for all us, we could do with a little more of those things. Well, with Christ here with us, those things will begin to happen more and more in our lives. The more Christ is the centre of our lives the more these things will become evident.

But that is not all. In the hassles and difficulties that we have with others around us, we now bear with them and even find the strength to forgive as the Lord forgave us. And so the nature of our relationships with those people changes: our tensions and difficulties are overcome: Our Lords forgiving presence toward us, enables us to have a changed attitude in our relationships to fami1y, friends and associates. Now this is really something! And it is so much needed.

But even more: The love that God has for us becomes evident in our lives. Our community is drawn together by the selfless giving of ourselves for the benefit of others: love radiates out from Christ's presence, through us, to others; and suddenly from the outworking of all these things in our lives, we begin to see some changes taking place in our society that is so much needed. Christ here with us has its effect through us to our community; and there then we begin to see more of the sorts of things that we know are good and positive - rather than divisive and destructive. All of this and more has come to us this Christmas - in this most wonderful of presents.

But, we are reminded here that there is still more to this gift. The peace of Christ now rules in our lives; so there is no need to get uptight and frustrated by what is happening around us. We can be at peace with what is happening in our world: the sickness, tragedy and events beyond our control no longer need to cause us to overwhelmed or afraid. We now have our God in our midst, giving us peace: bringing peace to our community through our changed attitude.

And with that comes thankfulness: Thankfulness for all the wonderful blessings that are there in our lives. Now that we are able to see beyond our cares and hassles, to all the great things happening around us as result of God's activity, we can more and more give thanks to God . So instead of being negative and finding fault and being gloomy, we are also able to see and be positive about life. Thankful for all God is doing in and around us.

But in this reading, there is still more. Assured of our Lord's presence, love and goodness that he has for us, we also find that the Word of Christ becomes something that is of greater value for our lives. Suddenly Scripture becomes important for us; helping us to keep close to our God. There we are reminded again and again of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. Along with that, we also are given directions for living our lives in a way that is good and helpful for our relationship with him and the people around us. That means that we will now see the Word of God as being more important to us than what the philosophers and educators of today are trying to push down our throats. For now, we know that God has that which is truly helpful and good for all of life: Here we have that which is true and is able give us that which can be relied on.

Now lastly and most importantly, this reading points us to the greatest change that takes place for us: everything that we now say and do, is done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Not in the name of what I want. Selfishness and self-centredness has gone out the window, because it is no longer important to us or for us. For now, we realise that what I want and what I think is good and important, only leads to heartache and distress. With the Lord Jesus as our leader, guide and friend, we now know that we are on the right track. He alone holds the answers to all of life and death. He has a reason, purpose and meaning for all that happens in our life. Everything that we have, are, think, say and do only has any importance and value because of him and what has done for us.

Now there we have only very briefly been shown what we have now as a result of Christmas. Christ with us, means all this and more is becoming a part of life for us. What a present - what an event is Christmas. All of this and more is there for us, all because our Lord chose to come and be with us. Let us not forget this great happening as we go on. Let us not turn our backs on all of this by getting too involved in all these other things in life, so that Christ becomes crowded out once again. Instead, let us make the most of what our Lord is seeking to do in and through us. Let us live ever mindful of the wondrous gift that has been given to us. Yes, with the coming of Jesus Christ into our lives this is what is in front of us. May he bring to us all these great changes that he has in mind for us and then may the true peace and joy of this season go with you now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Titus 3:4-7. Christmas salvation! 25/12/09


(4) But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, {5} he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, {6} whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, {7} so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.


A happy and blessed Christmas to you all! You are all happy, aren’t you? It is Christmas day. I hope you have all received your Christmas gifts, and are now looking forward to a real feast – turkey, ham, drinks, whatever, and all the rest. All shared with family and friends, and so you are happy; so that the spirit of Christmas is at work. And it is great to have some joy and happiness in the midst of the hassles and difficulties of life. Yes, Christmas is one of those few special times in life; and for most people, today gives them a spark to life: it lifts their spirits.

But of course, sadly that is not the case for everyone. There are many for whom today is a very difficult day. However, for most of us also, Christmas is not quite Christmas as it should be. For most of us the spirit of Christmas is somewhat lacking and certainly it does not last. For many of us these days, the focus has moved to the secondary gifts; the spirit of Christmas and not the Christ of Christmas; and there find that we are left short: the joy of this kind of Christmas does not last; it promises much, but very quickly disappears. Let me explain.

For most people today, where is the spirit of Christmas coming from? Where are they finding their joy and happiness? At the moment, it is from the gifts that they have received: the excitement of something new in their lives, given by someone near and dear to them. Here of course the principle; that it is the good that get the presents, operates well: the gifts are given to those who are special and to those who are good in their lives; and the rest miss out. In this regard, there are many who get far less than what you and I have received; those who have no friends and family, and who are on the outer of society. But for us all, the joy that is received from these gifts is short lived: the batteries soon go flat; the new thing becomes old hat, and we look for something new again: or we have fallen out with the one who gave us a gift; or whatever. But the happiness we get from these gifts that we have received lasts only a short while, before the realities of life once again surround us.

Now of course there is still more to the joy of Christmas for many than the gifts; there is the Christmas dinner and a few drinks; there is family and friends. But all of this too is fickle and short term. Soon we have overeaten and are hung-over; the visitors have all returned home, and again it is back to the realities of everyday life; and along with it the Christmas spirit dwindles quickly. As a result then we also often feel let down by it all, and we long for that which is more lasting and permanent; and which will carry on throughout the year.

It is here that God once again reminds us that he has a gift for us all; that will give us what we need to carry us throughout our lives: a Christmas gift, that is lasting and permanent; and that gives true peace and joy. It is given, for everyone; especially the down and outs, and the ones who haven’t been good and unacceptable, and who know they are in trouble. This gift makes for the real spirit of Christmas, and it is genuine - it is true to its promises. And it does give true and lasting peace and joy. Now it may not be exactly what we want or expect it to be; but then we too often are only thinking of our pleasure here and now and not the long term good of ourselves and the people around us. It certainly is a gift that is far richer than what most make it out to be.

In many ways the richness and value of this gift is encapsulated in this text that we have in front us this morning. Here we are reminded of the true spirit of Christmas; and find that which truly gives great joy and peace. At Christmas time, we are especially reminded of the kindness and love of God that has been extended to us: His coming to be with us: the birth of Jesus – God’s own Son; come into our world as one of us. And he did it because he knows that we are in trouble. He knows that we are constantly mucking up life for ourselves and each other. He knows that we have turned our backs on him, and too often try to ignore him. He knows that we have made life hell for ourselves here on earth, and that we have destined ourselves for Hell for the rest of eternity.
But out of his kindness and love for us, he chose to do something about it: to save us from ourselves and give us something far better; eternal life with him in heaven. He chose to free us and give us again a sense of meaning and purpose to life: to give us peace, joy and hope - which lasts. Now that does not mean, as many seem to think it should, that suddenly everything will go well for us here on earth. We by nature being the kind of people that we are, we would and do, again and again soon forget God and abuse the gifts he has given to us, and that we continue to be selfish and self-centred. So he continues to allow difficulties, hardships and even death to be there for our good and the good of others. So that we are forced to look and see that our only hope lies in God alone and what he has done for us.

Here he reminds us also that he is not saving us because there something good in us and about us: because there is some potential for good or whatever. In fact, as is said here, it is just the opposite. But simply because of his mercy and charity toward us he came into our world to save us. It is purely his kindness and love that motivated him to do so, not because of anything about us. Now that surely gives us good reason for hope and joy.

Then to show the extent of that love toward us – to give it to us, he came into our world in the person of Jesus Christ: he was born in Bethlehem about 2,000 years ago. Then went on and willingly allowed himself to be hung on a cross to die, all so that God’s punishment would not fall on us; but instead we might be forgiven and assured of eternal life in heaven. Then so that each one us can be sure that it is for us personally he commanded us to be baptized; to be given a washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit: So that there we might have that certainty that we have been saved; that we have been forgiven and know that we are now a part of God’s family forever. We have now been justified by his grace. Because of his love, we are now made right with God. Not, because of ourselves or anything good within us: All generously made available by our Lord Jesus Christ.

What a gift! What a Christmas present! And it is yours! That is God’s message and gift to you –each one of you. And that gift – as it is taken to heart – will give you great peace and joy: It will carry you forward well beyond today, next week and next month. It is his gift to you for all of life and for all eternity.

So a happy Christmas this certainly is. It is truly a happy, joyous and blessed Christmas; and it is yours guaranteed: Guaranteed by Jesus Christ himself – the babe of Bethlehem. So may the true spirit of Christmas be with you today and throughout the rest of your days. May this Good News of Jesus and his coming to be with us and save us, go with you and give real peace and joy now and always. Throughout, may all glory and honour go to this one who came into our world as a little babe in Bethlehem; Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Praise God now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, December 18, 2009

Hebrews 10:5-10 The greatest Christmas gift from God 20/12/09

(5) Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; {6} with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. {7} Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll-- I have come to do your will, O God.'" {8} First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). {9} Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. {10} And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Our reading here reminds us that Christmas is a time of giving. But can we forget this fact? If you are like us, most of the time, you have not yet finished buying you’re your gifts, and you are already counting the costs. So probably, you won't forget Christmas for some months to come. But then there are the TV adds which are still constantly trying to entice us to buy this or that gift: not to mention all the junk mail that comes our way at this time of the year. And for those of you with young children, I am sure you have noticed the rising excitement as they look forward to Christmas and to the gifts they will be receiving. So there is no way that we can forget Christmas is a time of giving and receiving of presents: that is Christmas in these days.

However, unfortunately for many, in the midst of all of this hype, rush and tear we can often forget the reason for this giving and receiving. Too often, it has become simply a nice tradition, perpetuated by big business for profit: Too often, we say to our children, if you are good Santa will bring you a present. Or else we think along the lines, so and so had given me this gift last year so I have to match it this time around. And I could go on with ways that we have filled Christmas with all sorts of rubbish thinking. In all the rush, tear and excitement we have forgotten the real reason for giving: we have forgotten the most important gift of all; and in so doing we have lost so much.

The story goes of one such family who had got so caught up with it all, and who lost out badly one Christmas. Dad was handed a tiny little, flat, plainly wrapped parcel and told that it was very important: he was to place it under the tree and before any other parcel was opened, they should open this one: it is very special, and it was important for their whole future. Well dad took that little insignificant looking parcel and placed it under the tree with all the other gifts; and when it came time for unwrapping the gifts, dad and mum full of thoughts of all the rush and tear; the drinks and nibbles for everyone; not to mention the excitement of the young ones. The kids grabbed the parcels to give them out, and naturally, first, went for all the biggest and best looking presents and started handing them out; and that little present and the instructions got lost under all the wrapping paper and excitement.

As a result it was only much later when mum starting cleaning up the room, that she came across that little, plainly wrapped parcel. She called dad and everyone back together and they took the dull wrapping paper off, and there was a little note which read, 'Go open the front door.' They did, but there was nothing or no-one there. What a strange and stupid gift.

However you see, Uncle John had given up standing there for over two hours; he was going to give them a significant portion of his vast wealth, but when they didn't open the door he went and gave it all to a needy charity.

And you know what? Far too often, every year that same mistake is made, over and over again: there is one gift that is left unwrapped: one guest that is continually ignored. He is left out, or given little attention in all the rush and excitement of Christmas, and that home misses out on so much. And oh, what a tragedy it is for them.

Here, be sure this Christmas, that this same gift will go to nearly every person and every home, wrapped in many a Christmas card or carol: a little note there for all, reminding them and us of a very precious gift; one that seeks to very much be a part of our Christmas, but also to give our hearts and lives that which we really need and want.

No matter who we are, this gift is the greatest and most important one that we could ever receive; and part of its greatness is that it comes in the ordinary, everyday things of life: it is not a gift that is beyond any one us or is too insignificant either. This gift comes wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a stable feed trough. It is God come as an ordinary human being; and came this way so that he could reach each and every person. This baby Jesus, and his everyday life; his suffering and death in particular, is the greatness gift that could ever be given to us. Even today, he comes to us in an ordinary book [the Bible], the simple waters of baptism, and the bread and wine of Holy Communion. He comes in this ordinary way so that he can reach all of us and meet our real needs, no matter what our situation in life may be.

Now there is also another great thing about this gift that comes to us this Christmas. This gift fulfils God's will for us: it gives to us everything that God expects of us. Jesus in his life, lived out what God had commanded from each and every one of us. Yet despite that, or on top of that, he suffered what we suffer and more, he was tempted in every way as we are tempted, and yet did not sin. Then in his death, he took the punishment that should be ours for our failure and our rebellion against God, so that now God may look on us as forgiven people. Then three days after his death he was raised again so that we can be sure that there is life and salvation for us all in our connection with Jesus Christ.

Now in his Scriptures, he tells us what he wants us to know of him and what he has done for us and how he would have us live. In our baptism he assures each one of us specifically that he forgives us and adopts us into his family; and in Holy Communion he reassures us again and again that he died for us so that we can be sure that we have forgiveness of sins, life and salvation: that he willingly gave himself as a gift to us so that we could be forgiven and restored back into a living relationship with himself.

There, we are reminded of the greatest aspect of this gift: it takes away all our sins and makes us acceptable to God. Through Jesus and his death and resurrection, all that is wrong, bad and evil about our lives, is forgiven. So now, when God looks at all of those who believe this – who trust in Jesus Christ - he sees nothing but the perfection of his Son. Through faith in this gift that comes again this Christmas, we are assured of the greatest inheritance we could ever wish for. In receiving this gift and allowing it to be a part of our life, includes us in the family of God which stretches right into all eternity.

And this is just a part of what this Christmas gift means for us. All of this and more is what makes Christmas truly Christmas; and is the reason for all of the other giving that we do at Christmas time. This surely is the greatest gift we could ever wish for, or hope to get. It is more than we could ever think is possible. Yet it is just this gift that God sends and offers to us all - with no exclusions: no one is too good to need this gift - and no one is too bad.

Unfortunately, however, so often this gift is overlooked and ignore - taken for granted. Too often ,we become preoccupied with other things and so give little thought to that which is important. How often don't we read our Christmas cards, and see who it is from and the personal details, but not even glance at the Christmas message that is in the card: we sing the carols but not even think of the words we are singing?

As a result, we fail to see God's love that has come to us in very ordinary and plain ways, and we fail to see it as the precious gift that it is. The gift is there, but it is left wrapped, hidden from our busy minds: ignored in favour of more immediate and tangible pleasures, and the things that have to be done. Even when we do receive this great gift, so often we don't give it the importance it deserves: we try to fit this guest Jesus in when and where it suites us, instead of giving him the pride of place in our hearts and lives; or else we try to use him to allow us to do as we want and please, instead of looking up to and focussing our hearts and lives on him, and then living in a way that brings glory and honour to him and to his kingdom.

So in light of all of this, and particularly keeping in mind the greatness of this gift, let us not this Christmas and beyond ignore and give little thought to this one who is so important. Let us receive this gift, recognising its true value and giving it the place it deserves in our hearts and lives. And in so doing our lives will be filled with a joy and contentment that is truly unbelievable to all, but those who receive and share that gift. Even in the remainder of our lives with all of its hassles and difficulties, we will have a peace and an underlying happiness that is way beyond what is humanly understandable. That gift there, in the baby in the manger, great in his ordinariness, is coming to you again this Christmas. So may you all be truly blessed by this gift and his presence in your hearts and lives this Christmas and beyond. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, December 11, 2009

Luke 3:7-18. Live as Christians because the Lord is coming! 13/12/09

(7) John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? {8} Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. {9} The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." {10} "What should we do then?" the crowd asked. {11} John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." {12} Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" {13} "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them. {14} Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely--be content with your pay." {15} The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. {16} John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. {17} His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." {18} And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.

This week John the Baptist continues his call to the people of God to be ready and prepared for the coming of their Saviour. Here he makes this call very much in style of the “Grim Reaper’ adds on TV of a number of years ago and the traffic accident adds of more recent times: The idea being to shock us out our apathy and complacency, and to make us change our thinking and lifestyles. The advertisements make the point if we think we can live free and easy lives sexually, or with regard to drinking and driving or driving when we are tired, without regard for anyone else but ourselves – then we are asking for trouble: The ‘Grim Reaper’ – the accident that kills - is just around the corner. Now those adds however are merely wanting us take precautions – to be careful; rather than seek a total change of lifestyle or for us to get back to living as we were created to.
Here however John hammers home a far more important message. For here, he is talking about eternal consequences for the way we live and act now. He reminds us that the judgement of God is coming down on all those who think that they can live and do as they please, without regard for the way God would have us live. And yes he is here speaking to those of us who think that because we are baptized and confirmed into the Church therefore we will be OK, so we can sit on the fence – without being totally committed and we will get away with it: we can live and do as we please and it doesn’t really matter. So yes, John is speaking a message that we all need to think long and hard about.

That being the case, just listen again as John speaks to us. “You congregation of snakes! Who told you that you could escape the punishment that God is about to send, by going through a few outward rituals? Instead, also do that which shows that you have turned away from your sins and that you believe in God. And don’t merely say amongst yourselves that you belong to a church and are a reasonably good person. The axe is ready to lop every tree which does not produce good fruit in accord with the new life in Christ.”

That is John’s message to you and me – that is God’s message for us today. Now that ought to make every one of us sit up and listen and take a good long look at ourselves. Because how often aren’t we, too, like snakes, trying to escape when the grass that shelters them is set on fire: trying to wriggle and slide our way out of trouble. By this I mean – we think we can live and do as we please: we can live in selfishness and sin; and then when things get a little hot, we can race off and get a dose of forgiveness.

Look, it is dangerous thinking to have the attitude that we can go through life living as if there is no God and at the same time come running to the Church when we need our consciences eased: thinking we can be hard-nosed and ruthless in our business dealings; difficult and cantankerous in our personal lives; mean and uncaring in our attitude toward others; and that it doesn’t matter; because at the end of the day we can run and get God’s forgiveness: he’ll accept us as long as we have made a reasonable effort.

“You brood of vipers” – says John. ‘With that sort of attitude you will not escape God’s wrath: ‘the Grim Reaper’ is ready – the axe is poised ready for the chop. God’s punishment will fall on those who wilfully and wantonly disregard his will and think that they can get away with it.

John then goes on to warn us not to start making our protests that we are baptized and confirmed in the Church, and therefore thinking we are OK. Just because you are baptized and have some connection with the church, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be in heaven. It is the one who is baptized and believes who will be saved. And believing in Jesus as Lord and saviour means that he and the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation that he extends to us, and how he wants us to think and live, is most important for us.

It is no good merely taking precautions and being careful as the TV advertisements suggest, and then we will be alright: as long as we use a condom, take a power-nap and give the learner driver few more lessons, then we’ll be right. Sadly, society thinks there are quick-fixes and easy solutions to most of our problems, which will basically still allow us to go on living and doing as we please. And sadly, this same thinking has crept into the church: we don’t need to take it all too seriously. Here we are reminded that this is disastrous thinking.

Look we have been baptized into a new life. We have there been made a part of God’s family. So, we are now called to live as people who have a new chance at life: live as people who are a part of God’s family: and to live in light of the fact that the Lord is coming to thresh out the wheat from the chaff. So were is the sorrow for all that is wrong in our life, and the deep desire to live and be the kind of people God wants us to be.

Where is the desire to ‘do the things that show that we have turned from our sins.’ Here he means the fruits of faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ that are mentioned all the way through the Scriptures. If Jesus and his coming into our world, and the message of the cross has any importance in our lives, then it will upset us greatly that our lives are so evidently sinful. And if we believe that he died and rose again for us as individuals and as a whole, then we will want to change our lifestyle so that our lives are more in line with being a part of God’s family. And if we know and trust that Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to help us and give us the power to live as his people, then we will boldly step out to show evidence of it: we will be seeking to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and to love our neighbour as ourself.

Here remember, we have God himself come to us in Jesus Christ. He has rescued us from a certain eternity in Hell and has given us all that we need for this life and the next. So let us not be slack and selfish about our Christian life: apathetic and complacent in our living as God’s own people. Instead, let us repent: let us turn back to God and his ways; committing ourselves again to live in light of all that he has done for us. Motivated by the love he has shown toward us by coming into our world and dying on the cross for us: freeing us to now live as his people and living in a way that is good for us and others around us.

Yes, let us remember our baptism, every day; thereby daily dying to our sinful life and seeking to live the new life that we have been given: remembering that we have been joined into God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All the while knowing that he has given us the Holy Spirit to help and empower us with his gifts to be the people he wants us to be: At same time being aware that our Lord is coming again soon to be our Judge and Lord: and that like the ‘Grim Reaper’ he will take the axe to all who think they can live as they please and it doesn’t matter. He will sort out the wheat from the chaff.

So let us think long and hard on this message from John the Baptist. Then may God grant each of us great blessing again at the coming of our Lord Jesus this Christmas, and also at the end of our time here on earth. For he truly is our Lord and master; our Saviour and friend. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, December 04, 2009

Luke 3:1-6. Preparation!! 6/12/09

(1) In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar--when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-- {2} during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. {3} He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. {4} As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. {5} Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. {6} And all mankind will see God's salvation.'" {7} John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

Today's readings remind us of the preparation necessary for God's coming to his people. Here John the Baptist reminds people of the preparation needed for the coming of Christ as their King, and this is a very important aspect that we also need to consider here today. There is preparation that needs to be done in order to receive Christ and the forgiveness of sins and the eternal life that he has for us.

But sadly, like the rest of life, too often we want the benefits that something has to offer – we want the good things offered, without any necessary preparation. We today want forgiveness without repentance; communion without confession; being a part of God's family without living in accord with it; we want freedom and rights without responsibility; we want authority and power without submission and humility; we want life without death.

With that kind of attitude, we then wonder why the harvest is not there - why the Church is more fragmented and in decline: why our own lives lack meaning and purpose; why life doesn't feel quite right. Now in the rest of life, we know that if we don't put the necessary work in beforehand things don't work out as well as they should. The Christmas dinner doesn't just appear on the table, like many of us men often seem to think it does; the ladies put a lot of time in beforehand in order to see that it is the best that it possibly can be. With farming or a business the same thing applies – we can see those who put the work into it, and we can see those who are looking for the easy and quick dollar – the easy way out.

Taking the short cut doesn't work out in the long run. We might think we can get away with it at the time; and many seem to be prospering by doing so, but in the end, they all get found out. Good preparation and a good basis is essential; even in the church - even in our own spiritual lives. In fact there it is even more critical; for there is no forgiveness without repentance; no real communion without confession; no close family bonds within the church if there is no attempt to live as a family should; no freedom without living out our responsibilities; no power and authority without humility and service; no life without death. The one always and only follows and accompanies the other.

There is no easy way out - no way to get to heaven without taking things seriously now. We cannot think that we can go along with the crowd and do what everyone else is doing; idolize what they idolize, and think that it doesn't matter. Thinking that as long as we go to church occasionally and be a reasonably good bloke, then she'll be right -it'll all work out in the end. It doesn't work that way. To do that is to invite disaster.

To short-circuit things spiritual is to lead to despair and destruction. We can't have and do what is right if we are not prepared to play by God's rules. To seek power and glory without obedience, love and humility ends only in tragedy. Just as we are now seeing the results of people who thought they didn't need go to church regularly and that they could play their sport on Sundays, work their farms and businesses, and all the rest; many of those in time have dropped out all together; and even more tragically their children do not even consider or know the Gospel and as a result, are destined for an eternity in Hell. There is no easy way out.

Yes, Jesus did die on the cross so that we can be freely forgiven! Yes, we were baptised and accepted into God family by the grace of God! Yes, Jesus does offer us his body and blood in Holy Communion, for the assurance of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. Yes, we are given the freedom to be the people of God, and we do have authority and power in connection with Jesus Christ. Yes, we are given life in abundance – here and in eternity. It is all there for us, simply because our Lord wants it for us. Through the Good News of Jesus Christ, it is all there for us.

But the message here is that there is preparation that needs be done in our lives in order for it to be ours. There is the need for repentance: A big need for repentance. There are so many coasting through life - following the broad and easy road that leads to destruction; and who think that somehow they will miraculously be transferred at the end of life, from dropping off into Hell and instead be placed at the other end going to heaven. Their lives are turned away from God, coasting along through life; freewheeling down wide and easy road to Hell, without a thought as to where they are going; far less a desire to turn and seek forgiveness, help, and the life that God has to offer, that they fail to see that Christ and eternity is at other end of the road – behind them.

But here in this reading we called on to turn around; now! To see that without God and simply focussed on ourselves and our own wants and desires, we are in trouble: There we are on the road that leads to Hell. We are reminded, that we cannot turn our backs on God and what he has to offer without it being disastrous for us. We need God’s help: we need Christ and his forgiveness, his family relationships; his Communion; his freedom; his life; and we need it now. We need to daily recognise our need for and our dependence on our Lord and Saviour and everything that he has to offer.

And repentance is that daily recognition of, and a turning from, a life that is not what is in accord with God, and a seeking of forgiveness and all the help that God has to give us – and then it is also the desire to live as God would have us live. True repentance is knowing all the while, that it is in Jesus Christ alone, that salvation and the real help we need is ours.

Here we too need to constantly turn away from the desire to live and act as we please and remember that in that way of selfish living we are living out the sin that is within us. We need to turn to God in sorrow for that sin, seeking his forgiveness and the desire to now live as he would have us. This is the repentance that is needed: and it is just as important for us as was for those in John the Baptist's day.

At the same time, in the midst of this Advent season we are reminded of Christ coming: That the time of salvation is near. We too in the near future will be brought face to face with Jesus whether we like it or not. He will be there to usher into eternal glory those believe in him: who know that their salvation and forgiveness is in him: who know that we do not deserve it; but that through Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection he freely gives life and salvation to those who believe in him. His coming almost 2,000 yrs ago is our guarantee: our assurance that it is so for us.

So Christ’s second coming will be to usher those of us who look to him in this way, into eternal glory, and those who ignore and reject him into hell. And so with such importance and dire consequences that there is in this matter, let us heed John's call: let us prepare the way for the Lord to come to us: let us turn back to him and seek earnestly for what he has to offer; for there is forgiveness for those who repent and turn to him for help.

We are baptized into God's family - so we can live anew - to God and each other. There is true communion with God and one another when there is true confession –a willingness to stand by the truths of God's Word: There is freedom when we take up the responsibility entrusted to us by our Lord: There is authority and power there for us, as we submit ourselves to the will of God: and there is life here and in eternity through death – the death of Christ; death to our selfishness, and death to the grasping onto this life at all costs.

It is all there for us in the coming of our Lord and Saviour. So constantly prepare the way for his coming: turn to him for forgiveness, life and salvation: turn to Jesus Christ again and again. , 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish