Thursday, October 8, 2015

Ex Nihilo and Books

Have you ever noticed that when you open up a piece of literature you are thrust into the middle of a story?  You are introduced to Billy, who is twelve and on his way to school, or to Bilbo Baggins celebrating a birthday at a very old age.  But how could this be?  You are only on page 1.  Why is the author writing in such a way to give the appearance of age?  Why does this really not bother us?  Why does it seem to bother so many when they look at the universe?  What does the universe look like on page 1?  What does a universe look like an instant after ex nihilo?  Could it look like Billy at age twelve?  Is that OK with you?

Thursday, October 1, 2015

A Table Before My Enemies

I mentioned Psalm 23 in the sermon where it tells us that God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies – and here we are.  Now, we don’t see any enemies, it seems, here in our immediate midst, and praise God for that.  But we all know that they lurk nearby – the world, the flesh and the devil always, and often in the history of the church, these enemies are also found in those who would persecute the church for doing just what we are doing now – proclaiming the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and His rights over the whole earth.

In addition, right here, in the middle of your life, right here, in the beginning of this new week which will be filled with problems, with enemies of sorts, with stumbles and encumbrances, distractions and temptations, right here, right now, He has prepared a Table for you – to dine with Him and to partake of His Son – His death for your sins and shortcomings – His resurrection life – your new life in Him.  Come and welcome to Jesus – He will now equip you, walk with you, fill you, direct you, oversee you and yours – to the glory of His name – Amen.