Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday 26, June 2005
Jeremiah 28:5-9, Romans 6:1-11, Matthew 10:34-42
Sermon (Pastor Eberhart): The bible seems to contradict itself when it comes to `peace.' We have the account of Christ's birth, where the angels say "peace on earth," but then Jesus later says "I have not come to bring peace, but the sword."
Christianity isn't escapism. Love means pain. Discipleship means sacrifice. Being Christian means giving a lot. Sometimes being a Christian means having the people in your household being set against you. Relatives might think we're crazy. But we see the total picture of the crucifixion. A bad situation can be a witnessing situation. A seemingly good situation can also turn ugly. A seemingly nice family may not share the same faith. People might call you a prude for being a Christian. The bible warns that there is danger ahead if you follow Jesus. It's not encouraging.
A man named Barus crucified 2000 insurrectionists in Galilee. As a disciple, you might have to face this.
Often we don't ask God what He wants because we're afraid of it. During the time of the plague, Christians gave food and water to plague victims, to the pagans' chagrin. We are embassadors for Christ.
There is a story about Lewis and Clark. They met a French fur trapper who offered them his Indian wife. They refused. Their honor came in handy later with an untrusting tribe.
Joseph refused Potiphar's wife. He didn't want to hurt his heavenly Father.
In a World War 2 prison camp, the prisoners often stole from each other. Americans were theiving to survive. It was selfish. Christmas was especially bad. But during this time, one soldier died to feed a man who was malnourished. It inspired people. This was 1943, and they defied Nazi orders and sang Christmas carols in their prison.