Roger's Postings

Friday, September 24, 2010

1 Timothy 6:6-19. Affluenza?? 26/9/10
Amos 6:1;4-7; Luke 16:19-31.

{6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. {7} For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. {8} But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. {9} People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. {10} For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief’s. {11} But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. {12} Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. {13} In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you {14} to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, {15} which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, {16} who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might forever. Amen. {17} Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. {18} Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. {19} In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Each of our readings here this morning are warning us of the dangers associated with a deadly disease that is running rampant in our country today. Affluenza has taken hold in epidemic proportions and threatens to decimate this country of ours. Most people are infected with this insidious disease and are completely unaware that it threatens to destroy their eternal future. And saddest of all, most people do not even care. Whilst many are aware of the problem, they think that it is not going to hurt them or their families.
Here today God is warning us of this danger and pleading for us to be alert, so that this problem does not destroy us. Through each of these readings, God is seeking to make us aware of the dangers that are ever associated with this affluence - serious dangers. So, don't kid yourselves into thinking that this is not a serious issue. This disease is very much here in our country and community and is and has already been capable of leading many to their ruin and destruction; destroying them and their families relationship with God.
They have gradually placed affluence ahead of their relationship with God and have paid dearly for it and their children and grandchildren have been lost altogether.

Through the reading from Timothy, God is seeking to encourage us to look in the right direction as we live out our daily lives so that we don’t get dragged into this insidious disease; but are immunized against it. Here he is pointing us in the direction our lives should be going; and above all entreating us to hold firmly to the eternal life which is ours in our confession that Jesus Christ is Lord and saviour.

But firstly, remember back to the Old Testament lesson and compare the scene described by Amos, with the situation we have here in Australia today. The scene is that of people enjoying the comforts of their affluence. They have their expensive furniture; living on the best of foods; using the most expensive of cosmetics; sitting back and enjoying their own music. They had an insatiable hunger for the good life. But in their luxurious sophistication, they lived for themselves. They seemed to think that because the prospects of the future looked good and that they were the top people in the top nation, they had nothing to fear. They were full of self-confidence and of their self-importance. They had everything under control; so rejected any thought that disaster might be just around the corner. They were doing too well at creating misfortune for others to even consider the possibility that they might be digging their own graves.

In all of their affluence, they had forgotten two things. They had become complacent in their consideration for the poor and underprivileged; having
no concern for the oppressed and wronged among their fellow country-people. Secondly, they were too full of themselves and their focus on what they had and could enjoy, that they failed to give any thought to the welfare of others. They had forgotten they were all fellow human-beings, travelling
through life needing the help and support of one another.

But above all, they had forgotten their God. Not that this was a deliberate thing, but they had become so focussed on their own pleasures and their own accomplishments; probably even seeing them as sign of God's favour and presence with them. Even though they went to his Temple, there was no thought to actually listening and heeding the Word of God. After all, they thought they had it all under control. Their religion was for show; with no consideration toward obedience to God's commands. Lip service was given toward God, but their heart was in their affluence.

They had forgotten that it was God who had made them a people: that he had rescued them and given them all that they had. There was no deep, heartfelt thanks to God or praise for all that he had done for them; No obedience to his commands, because they were so secure in their affluence that had no need for God in their daily lives; no need to give consideration as how he wanted them to live.

'Therefore’ – therefore, it shall all come to an end. Those affluent people of the day shall lead the pitiful column of captives going into exile. With tragic irony Amos lets them be first to the bitter end. Where revelry filled the air, there will be ominous silence. The announcement of judgement predicts a tomorrow in which pride, and self-centeredness is swallowed up and disappears. The security of their affluence will bring disaster. And so it happened. A few short years later, they are led of into exile. All their wealth taken from them; and they were made to suffer bitterly.

Paul in his letter to Timothy also tells us that the People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief’s.

But you fellow-Christians here today flee from this. Don't allow yourselves to fall into this same temptation and disaster. Watch yourselves so that the same disaster doesn't leave you and your family with nothing. Complacency creeps up ever so easily. Our affluent Australian lifestyle makes it ever so easy to forget God. Just look around you and see how the pursuit of affluence has distracted so many of our fellow Australians away from our Lord and his Church. Watch and pray that you or your family also do not join their ranks.

Now I am not saying that we are to run out and be hermits, having nothing to do with our world. No, we are to live in this world, but to be careful that we are not mastered by it and led into complacency. Remember we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. Fellow believers, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Seek after those things that are of God, diligently. They are far more lasting than the riches of this world. Grab hold of all that God has given to us in Christ Jesus, for dear life. Don't let go of that eternal life that has that given us at our baptism, when we were made children of God. Jesus died so that we might have life, now and in eternity. This assurance of eternal life with God is ours now. He has given and continues to give us all that we need for this life and the next.
So don't turn around and let go of all this by looking to and trusting in our earthly possessions and the luxuries of this world. Instead, let us continue to put our trust in the God who has given us all that we have and more; in the God who truly is God Almighty, the giver and taker of our affluence. Look to him and take him and what he has to say seriously before this dreaded disease, affluenza, destroys us and our families.

Here also learn from the message of our Gospel reading.. Seek after God and the things that are of God, now, while we have the chance. We like the rich man may have the security of riches in this life: we may have the honour of the people of this world. But - but if we are not rich toward God then we have nothing: Our riches here on this earth count for nothing when it comes to gaining entry into heaven. So now, while we have the chance, hold firmly to our gracious God and his promises. Listen to the Law and prophets as well as the Good News of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. Hold on to God, The blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light. To him be honour and might forever," Amen.

Look to him for our security, because his security far exceeds that of our affluence. In him, find the riches that will give us the happiness and immunity that we are looking for and need. In him, find the contentment that far exceeds what we can ever possibly imagine, and the peace which is beyond understanding. Be rich, but in the things of God. For in our almighty Lord and Saviour we do have all the peace and security that we could ever want. And to him alone belongs all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, September 17, 2010

Luke 16:1-13. Wise use of our money?? 19/9/10

(1) Jesus told his disciples: "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. {2} So he called him in and asked him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.' {3} "The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg-- {4} I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.' {5} "So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' {6} "'Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,' he replied. "The manager told him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.' {7} "Then he asked the second, 'And how much do you owe?' "'A thousand bushels of wheat,' he replied. "He told him, 'Take your bill and make it eight hundred.' {8} "The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. {9} I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. {10} "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. {11} So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? {12} And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? {13} "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

This morning we are encouraged to think about that one subject that is ‘taboo’ in the preaching within our churches. To bring up the subject of money into the pulpit is sure to cause a stir. But if we read our Gospels, we find that Jesus didn't shy away from the subject. In fact, he often addresses this issue; and I am sure that he does so, simply because it was a touchy subject: simply because many had and still have a problem in this area of their lives. In fact, Jesus hits very hard with his comments in this reading when he says that: "no servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.'

Now there, surely are some words that must make us sit up and do some thinking. He is saying quite clearly that we can't have a leg in both camps. We can't live as though money is the be all and end all in this life and still expect to get to heaven.
Jesus reminds us here that we can not be completely loyal to our Lord and our money and the system by which it operates, at the same time. To use and view our money and wealth the way our world encourages us to, is to despise what God has to say to us. To love and place such great importance on our money and what it can achieve for us, is to hate God and what he stands for. And we can’t say that this is not a problem for us in our country today.

Yes, these are strong words to us and our society today. But there is no way around them, unless we want to ignore what God has to say to us. These are the facts as God sees them – and so we had better take them seriously. To do otherwise could have dire consequences. Now of course, while we live here on earth we need to use money. It is part of our everyday life in our society - Jesus recognised that; but it is our attitude toward it and our misuse of it, that we are warned about. We do need to be wise in this whole area.

At the same time, we must recognise that God is God. He is the Almighty – the only true God; and there is no fooling him. We might be able to cheat on our tax; a business deal; not give to the work of the Church as we know we should; and the like and get away with it here on earth. Here, we most likely will not be questioned: But God sees - God knows – and if we think we can cheat him and get away with it - look out. He also knows when our obsession with the making of money at the expense of the things that are truly important, is there.

So what are we to do as God’s people? What advice does Jesus to give us here? Listen again to the parable that Jesus uses. : "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. {2} So he called him in and asked him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.' {3} "The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg-- {4} I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.' {5} "So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' {6} "'Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,' he replied. "The manager told him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.' {7} "Then he asked the second, 'And how much do you owe?' "'A thousand bushels of wheat,' he replied. "He told him, 'Take your bill and make it eight hundred.' {8} "The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

Yes, this guy was cunning. With the bosses money that he had at his disposal, he made wise use of it in order to ensure a good future for himself. So what is Jesus encouraging us to do here: To cheat with regard to money in order to gain influential friends? Well yes; but not in the way that we would like to think. Yes, we are to cheat: to cheat on the system of selfish, self-centred use of money; on the system that sees money as all important and as that which makes a person something. Yes, we are to break the rules of that destructive system that tears relationships apart and leads us to see wrong things as important. We must not go along with that which is wrong, even if it is done by many around us and is seen as quite acceptable by our society around us.

No, we as Christians are to have a different attitude and approach. We are to use the money and wealth that we have been given, in ways that make us friends: friends that welcome us into heaven. We are to use money wisely in order that we keep our real friends; friends that have the keys to eternal life: In other words Jesus Christ, our Lord and saviour. After all, he is the one who has given us that which is most important of all; forgiveness of sins, membership in God's family, and eternal life. He has ensured that we have everything that we possibly need in order to get through this life safely; and so that we can have the security, peace of mind and the greatest superannuation plan. It is far safer than any bank or company or amount of money could give; and it is guaranteed. So in other words, it is all there for us; everything that we will ever need; in Jesus Christ.

So let us not blow it all with the wrong use of our money and wealth. Thinking that what money can buy and what the world has to offer is better than what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. If we think we can sneakily be dishonest even in very small matters we are in trouble. If we do not seek to be faithful in the use of our worldly wealth, Jesus says, how can be trusted with true wealth. If we have no desire to be faithful in using the money and wealth, which God has given us, he says why should he give us eternal life.

That being the case, we need to be very thoughtful in how we view and use the wealth that we have been given. Let us then consider carefully whether we go to the pokies, pub or whatever; or selfishly hoard our wealth, or spend our kids inheritance. Should we be spending all our time earning those extra dollars so that we can get ahead - have our boat, two cars, billiard room and every other luxury item so that we can be seen to be impressive people and that we can simply enjoy ourselves. Instead let us consider our every use of what we have, in order to see that we are using it; not in ways that are wrong, harmful and selfish, but instead in ways that will be helpful and useful in ensuring that we do not loose out in that which our Lord Jesus has won for us, and which will be helpful for others to know Jesus and the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation that he has won for us. Let us use what he has given us in ways that might serve him and his kingdom, and that will ultimately bring him the honour and glory that he deserves. Will it help people to get to know God and what he has done and is doing for us through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross?

It is here that I will point out that we do need to consider our giving toward the work of the church - we do need keep up our budget: our treasurer is saying that we are running behind what we have budgeted for. Then, maybe if there was more, there could be other things that we can do also that will help others to know the Good News of Jesus Christ as well. But it is not just there - in every way we use our money and possessions we need to consider if it helpful for God and his kingdom. Would he be happy with what I am doing even in small matters? In every aspect we are called to be wise - to be faithful.

So yes, here we have a challenge set before us. Here we all need to do some solid thinking. Our money is important - but how we view it and use it is vital. Let us remember that we cannot serve two masters – God and money. All the while, never forget what God has done for us through Jesus Christ and the cross. Without him, our money and even our life itself, would be nothing. So let us see to it that our wealth doesn't sidetrack us away from that which is important. But instead, to use it for our Lord and friend, who has done so much for us. Be faithful - be wise – for God has blessed us already, so richly. To him be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Saturday, September 11, 2010

1 Timothy 1:12-17. God's unlimited grace/patience 12/9/10
Luke 15:1-10; Exodus 32:7-14.

(1 Tim 1:15-17) Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. {16} But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. {17} Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
(Exo 32:12-14) Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. {13} Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.'" {14} Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
(Luke 15:1-2) Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. {2} But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Each of the three readings this morning are helping us to focus on God's unlimited grace and patience toward us as human being. His utmost concern is for saving sinners and for furthering his kingdom. In each of these readings, people are in real trouble – in fact extreme trouble when it comes to their relationship with God: They deserve and are facing destruction and Hell. Yet God extends his love and patience toward them: and likewise to us. There is great rejoicing as a result of those who accept this grace from God and do not turn their back on it, or take it for granted; but instead who live in light of it.

But let us look a little closer. In the first reading, God's chosen people have ‘gone off the rails.’ They mumbled and grumbled against God, because he was not doing what they wanted him to do; they made a golden calf and worshipped it. They made no attempt to live and act as God would have them live; and certainly were not living as God's chosen people. After all that God had done for them in bringing them out from slavery: and the great miracles that they had seen, now they where very quickly ignoring him: Thumbing their noses at him and all that he had done for them.

As a result of this arrogance and selfishness, God's thoughts are of wiping them off the face of the earth. They simply do not deserve to be God's chosen people. He was so angry that his own people should treat him this way that he now decides that he is going to give them their ‘just deserts.’ But Moses reminds him of the promises that he had made. Moses stood by his people - even if he was not happy with what they were doing. He interceded for them and showed his concern for God's ongoing kingdom. He did not bury his head in the sand and show no interest in what was going on around him. As a result, the Lord changed his mind and did not bring the disaster that he had threatened on the people. He extended his love toward them, giving them every chance possible to again be his people in the promised land.

In the Gospel reading, we are reminded again of Jesus’ concern for those who are lost and in trouble. Unlike the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law who felt secure in their own goodness, and who had no concern for those who were on the outer and who society considered as a lost cause; Jesus had love and compassion for them. He came to reach out and save those who were lost and lonely and in trouble. He included them all in his gatherings and discussions; knowing that many of them were in trouble and knew it, and were longing for a way out.

There Jesus uses the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin to show the sort of concern that he has for all. Here we see very clearly the thinking that God has toward those who are lost; and the rejoicing that he has in mind when they are brought home. Jesus is desperate that all survive and be a part of his flock. Because one has gone astray, he doesn't say, ‘foolish sheep, they deserve to perish for their actions. She’ll be right, as long as we have got a few faithful and healthy sheep, the rest can go and get lost if they don't want to tow the line. No, he wants all to be saved – and he has made it possible for all to be with him in heaven; no matter who they are or what they have done.

In the second reading, we are reminded of just who and what sorts of people he has in mind and how far he was prepared to go in grace. God patiently waits and searches out Paul; who was not just a non-Christian, but violently anti-Christian. Who openly sought out and persecuted the early Christians. He spoke evil of Christ - insulting him. But God reaches out through Jesus to Paul and every sinner - even the very worst of them. He saves them and even considers them worthy to serve him in a big way. Here, we are told of the appointing of Paul to let others know of God's unlimited grace and patience.

Paul sees this as absolutely amazing: Something that he is extremely happy about and thankful for. This is the best - simply fantastic - beyond human understanding – and there was no way that he was going to take it for granted; thinking of it as no great consequence. He knew that there was no point in looking to himself - thinking he was somehow good enough and acceptable, which he knew he wasn’t. But more importantly, what was the point – after all? God loves him, despite who he was; forgives him and has set the work that he wants him to do. God has done everything necessary for him and his salvation. He sought him out and challenged him; revealed himself and what he has done for us all. He even gave him the faith and the love that he needed; helping him to believe and gave him the strength to do the work the he wanted him to do. For Paul there was no doubt as to the extent of God's patience and grace. He owed everything to Jesus Christ: all honour and glory was to go to him who has done so much for him and for us all. God is just so great; so wonderful and so loving; everyone needs to know this Good News.

That is why Paul then goes to great pains to help others know how great this patience, love and help really is: how great the Lord truly is. He now wanted everyone to know this Good News of Jesus Christ, and that he is absolutely true and trustworthy; and this is something that we all are to accept and believe. To reject Jesus Christ and his grace and turn our back on him; or take him for granted, is to loose out on all that God has done for us and not receive eternal life in heaven. Because after all, to think that God will let us into heaven because we are OK is to reject this great grace of God.

But why would we want to look to ourselves anyway; why would we want to keep our distance from this one who wants to and has given us so much. Why would we want to reject this one who loves us so much? Instead, surely we would want to follow him and give him all honour and glory. After all, he is unlimited in his grace and patience toward us; he is ever out to seek and save the lost.

That being the case we do not need to pretend that we are better than we really are. We can acknowledge that we are far from the people that God would have us be and that we deserve nothing from God except rejection and punishment. But at the same time, look to Jesus Christ and know that he has died in our place and ensured that we have been saved. He sought us out and drew us to the waters of baptism so that we could be washed clean from our sinfulness and included into God’s family. Then week by week he continues to draw us back into his presence so that we can be reassured over and over again that he loves us and forgives us despite our sinfulness of the past week. As we kneel at the altar rail, Jesus gives us his very body and blood so that we can be sure that he is always with us as we live out our lives every day.

This is absolutely amazing that he should extend such amazing grace and patience to us here today. Despite, who are and what we have done in the past week, he continues to extend his Good News to us. He continues to look to us and encourage us forward to live and be his people; seeking to have us share this wonderful Good News with those around about us: wanting us to share his saving grace with the lost and lonely around about us. And here remember, all of heaven rejoices when one believes in what he done for us: who repents of their selfish ways, and trusts that God has saved them through Jesus’ death and resurrection. No matter who they are and how bad they may be in our societies eyes and in God’s eyes, He want his grace to be there for them all; for us all.

So to conclude let us forever remember that, Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, September 03, 2010

Deuteronomy 30:15-20. Choose to die? Yes or no. 5/9/10

(15) See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. {16} For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. {17} But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, {18} I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. {19} This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live {20} and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Now this morning to help us come to grips with the message that God has here for us, I would like to begin with a story - that could and in many instances has been a real life story.

Now Fred had seen the TV adds, read the papers and heard the stories that drew attention to the dangers of drink driving. So like everyone else today he knew very well the dangers and knew the consequences. However, one Friday after a busy week, he went out to a party, and there he enjoyed himself. The drinks were going down smoothly, and before long two drinks went to three, to four and he kept on going.

His friends told him a number of times to steady up. But Fred knew better - he was alright: There had been other times, and he had always managed to get home alright. Anyway, the important thing was not to get caught by the police, and he knew a quiet road home. So what is the worry - look just relax and enjoy life.

This night as usual – when it was time to go home, Fred insisted on driving. He had a few of the other young lads with him. But he was quite alright; and just to play it safe he would again take the back track home.

Everything was going along fine, even though he was wandering about a bit. Then all of a sudden, a kangaroo hopped across the road in front of him. His reactions were far too slow and he finished up pulling the wheel too hard, and the car went into a slide, over the embankment and into a tree: killing them all.

Fred knew the law. He knew the dangers: and yet he chose to disregard it all and please himself. He thought he could get away with it, and all would be well. He had a choice - but he preferred to live his own life, without regard. He simply wanted to live and enjoy life - but ended up dying and taking others with him.

Now before we sit back smug in our seats, let us remember that there are many, many in our society today just like Fred, and that same thinking is there in each and every one of us. Not necessarily with regard to drink driving, but in one or more of many other areas in life; smoking, drugs, casual sex, and I could go on and on. We think we can just enjoy ourselves and we will get away with it. We will not get caught out. She’ll be right mate.

Particularly, this attitude today is prevalent in that one area that has even greater implications. That is with regard to our spiritual lives. There, is an area where all of us to a greater or lesser degree seem to think we can play it fast and loose and think it we will not get caught out. Again, the consequences are serious. But it is even more serious than simply playing with life and death. Here it is matter of eternal life either with God in heaven - or in Hell with a total absence of anything good.

Here again the choice is ours. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed.

Life and death has been set before us all. Let us remember here that there is no way around it - we can either live with God - or we can go to hell – that’s the choice.

To live, we are told, means that we love the Lord our God, and walk in his ways and keep his command, decrees and laws. We can take God seriously; and then be blessed in the way that is truly good for us. Or on the other hand we can disregard God and what he has to say to us; thinking we can live without coming to church regularly and that sort of thing; and instead go out and play our sport on Sundays or whatever. Thinking we can worship the gods our society has made for itself, such as money, selfishness, popularity, leisure, and many others. By doing that, we are playing with danger. We are choosing death rather than life.

Like drink driving, the facts are before us. We have seen time and time again the tragic results of people driving under the influence. We have also seen the tragic results of people’s disregard for God and what he has to say to us. And look if you don't want to look at the Bible to see those results, have a look at history, and see society after society, person after person who has self-destructed because they didn't take God and his ways seriously.

Look at what is happening in Australia today, and see what happens when people turn their backs on God: there is the daily murder of unborn babies because people feel that they have the right and the freedom to do so. Look at the tragic results of suicide after suicide as people have given up hope. Look at the growing epidemic of AIDS, drugs, violence, and again this list could go on. Look at the growing disregard for marriage and the family with many, many people getting hurt - especially children. And we promote all this stuff as if it is all Ok and good for us. It is all so terrible!

So we can clearly see and know that there are two ways to live: One leading to life and the other to death and destruction. But at the same time while most people know this, they still think that they can ‘chance their arm.’ Like Fred, they think they can get away with it, and still finish up OK. They think that they can take the back route through life and still get to heaven safe and sound. They think that they can disregard all the evidence and get away with it. They think that they can choose death, but still live.

Let me tell you, most often it ends up with tragic results; and then it is too late – there are no second chances. So here, we have a clear reminder for us. We need to check what we are on about. It is so easy today to gradually slip into that kind of life that leads to death. Many around us have already gone done that path, with a bleak future ahead for them.

Let us remember again that God has given us his life-giving Word. Jesus has died and risen again so that each one of us can be a part of his family. At our baptisms, he signed those papers, guaranteed. But because of apathy, pride or neglect it is so easy to let go of it all and to cut ourselves off from all that God wants for us. He wants to hold us close and help us. He loves and cares for each one of us, and doesn't want us to harm ourselves. He wants nothing but the very best for us, here and in eternity.

But is it all that important to us? Can we ‘chance our arm’? We can so very easily cut ourselves off from it all and ignore what our gracious God has for us and so loose out. So take notice of God's word here: Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life. Take him seriously, and you will be blessed.
AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish