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Sermon: 2/26/2017Rev. Ben Herlong 1 Corinthians 3: 10-23
What Can I Give Up for Lent?
For Christians, this question is the second greatest question we ask ourselves year after year. The first would probably be deciding new year’s resolutions. However, the second question has greater spiritual impact, although it usually centers around the same thing: food, diet, exercise etc. Of course, setting aside things we enjoy is supposed to allow us time to delve into spiritual growth. We deny the indulgence of the body’s appetites, deny the cravings of the physical, in order to strengthen the spirit. So what are we to give up? Have we thought about giving up some spiritual things that may not be good for us.
Have we ever been instructed to give up religious pride? Religious pride is that attitude that says, when reading the Bible, “That experience is not for me. I don’t want to go there.” “I don’t have to change, God is pleased with me the way I am.” Religious pride is a hindrance to spiritual growth. Give it up for Lent and you won’t want to take it back!
We all are aware of “worldly ways,” just being more conformed to the ways the world operates rather than conforming to biblical instruction. We would rather stand up for ourselves than to turn the other check. The world sees meekness as weakness. How do you see it? Are there other biblical virtues that you wince at? Practice them! (This is one of those messages the preacher will have a hard time with. But Lent is not supposed to be easy!)
What about giving up timidity! What!? Yeah, you know that spirit that says, “I can’t ask them to come to church.” The shyness that keeps us from offering encouragement to others to come for Christian worship, fellowship and service needs to be given up. When listening to Wayne Miller at a meeting he said something incredible! As he mentioned how many times our people make hits on our blog to find out what’s going on, all one needs to do is press the share button to let others know what we are doing. If you have a hard time with face-to-face invitations, incorporate the use of the send button on the computer. Let’s give up timidity! Let’s share what’s going on at Aldersgate. Do it for Lent and you might keep doing it for Christ! -- Ben
Sermon: 2/19/2017Rev. Ben Herlong 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Sermon: 2/12/2017Rev. Ben Herlong 1 Corinthians 11: 23-32
Scout SundaySermon: 2/5/2017 Rev. Ben Herlong Matthew 5 13-16
Keeping Focus
The duty of a watchman is to keep apprised of what is going on and determine if anything is threatening to those who have employed him. If the appearance of trouble comes, the alarm is sounded. Action can be taken and disaster may be avoided. If, however, the watchman becomes distracted so he no longer is surveying the situation but is simply enjoying the moment, a threat may go undetected and harm happens. A watchman must always keep focus! Vigilance is required.
When I worked at a school I was required to be the clock keeper for basketball games. You can’t get so involved in the game that you forget to stop or start the clock when required. If the clock is not kept diligently people get agitated; really agitated, really fast! I speak of experience. When I got more involved in the game than in keeping the clock…. well, use your imagination.
The Lord calls us to keep focus on His purposes for His church. We should not get so distracted that we forget Whom we serve and why. The world has a lot of distracting elements out there. Not only is there the individual enticements that beckon to our interests, but also sports, politics, unrest, religion and irreligion and many more. Some of these get our attention. We need to take note of our surroundings, but do not get lost in the surroundings! Jesus says we will be blessed if we are found to be watching, keeping focus, on the important things of the Kingdom when He returns and not be found distracted by the earthly enticements.
As we continue in this year let us keep vigilance for the mission of the Gospel. Regardless of what we see in the world, let us keep our eyes focused on Christ and the Kingdom of God. -- Ben