Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord - Psalm 33:12a

 

A nation whose God is the Lord is blessed because God’s values in life promote morality, decency, honour and truth for the well-being of all its citizens. A nation under God has stability and such a nation praises God for his care.

 And notice: that is how the psalmist begins his song of praise.  

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;

It is fitting for the upright to praise him. 

The message is: Christians, be happy in God who is in control. Be happy in God who is Lord of lords and King of kings.

As this Tuesday is Canada Day, I want to talk for a few minutes on some of the values we hold in high esteem which helps to make us into the country we are. Every country has its own history and sense of character. We are no different in this respect. Our history has shaped who we are. These values define what it means to be a Canadian. And our values as Christians have a role to play in creating this country.  This country is part of the New World.  We are a land of new beginnings. So one of the great virtues we esteem in this country is Freedom. Freedom is part of the fabric of this land. 

Freedom is of course not something that we invented. Freedom has been one of humanity’s highest ideals since the dawn of history. It is one of the great driving goals of all people everywhere.  Because Canada is a new nation, it doesn’t have a long history of injustices or wars. Our nation has been a grand experiment in responsible freedom. It is a place where people can experience great liberty. It is a real gift to be able to live free from the coercive power of others. It is a breath of fresh air to be free of the domination of foreign powers.  In this vast land, there has always been room for a person to act on their own. To have the power to act for yourself, and be in control of your own destiny.  

People have been coming to the New World to escape the tyranny of governments and religious oppression for centuries. People have been coming to the New World to find economic and social opportunities which the old world only offered to a select few.  The opening up of the New World by the European powers came at the same time as a great religious and social transformation swept across that continent.  So when the Governments of Canada and the United States decided that there should be freedom of religion, this opened the door to people being free to follow their own chosen spiritual path. No one religious group is privileged here. All are free to follow their conscience.  We are not to be judged by someone else’s creed.  In this land there is a sense of egalitarianism. There is a fundamental equality between all people. We are all to be treated the same. 

Freedom is a hard concept to maintain. Because as soon as there are two people who are free, there are competing interests. How does your freedom impact my freedom is one of the oldest questions in the field of politics. Freedom at its heart is a responsible freedom. It has a cost. Freedom without responsibility is nothing more than chaotic lawlessness.  Freedom requires that we respect one another’s freedoms. We are to make sure our freedom does not hurt or hinder someone else’s freedom. We owe each other mutual support and respect. Such respect is especially important when we have different opinions. 

The late great Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker once said
"I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind." 

Diefenbaker knew of the respect for one another that was necessary for such freedoms to be possible for us all. When such mutual respect is present, it opens the door for us all to share in the freedom to pursue our own religious beliefs, our political opinions, and economic opportunities. But it isn’t always easy. It can be hard to respect the fact that other people will not share your particular beliefs. It is possible to have a difference of opinion without taking it personally. 

When it comes to Canada’s national sport of hockey, I, as many of us here, am a Montreal Canadiens fan. The Habs are the most successful team in the history of the sport.  

Why anyone would choose to support the Toronto Maple Leafs is just beyond my imagining. Toronto hasn’t had a good team in decades. They failed to even make the playoffs this year. As much as I do not like the Leafs or their fans, I have learned not to take it personally. Someone who has chosen to support the Leafs has not done so just to deliberately insult me. It’s not about me. 

This is why we must do more than just merely tolerate our differences. Nelson Mandela once said that “to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” We need to enhance and encourage the freedom of others if all of our freedoms are to thrive. If one group suffers a loss of freedom, we are all the poorer for it, for we will have lost out on the contributions which they would have made to our larger society.

As Christians, it can be a challenge for us to acknowledge the need to enhance the freedom of others.  We are used to having a privileged place in Canadian society. We are used to having a privileged voice in the public arena. We are used to having no one openly question or challenge our pronouncements on social or moral issues. But if we truly live in a world of free speech where we are all equals, that means people must be free to disagree with us. We aren’t being persecuted when people are disagreeing with us.  It just means we are treated as one voice amongst all the possible voices. 

Our message has to be good news if it is to take root in a person’s heart. The gospel message can’t be heard if it is full of hatred. We won’t win hearts and minds if we are consumed with bitterness. People are tired of listening to angry Christians. They’ve had enough of mean Christians. We must work through the power of persuasion rather than by threats or coercion if we are to be heard today. We need to relearn how to offer a message of an accepting and transforming love. People are looking for a hopeful voice which has helpful solutions. They are tired of the wagging finger. The want a hand which will help them up. They want people of goodwill to work with as we build this great new world together. 

In our world today there are many people who are like the woman Jesus met in the marketplace. There are many people who are hurting. People are desperate for hope. They want to reach out to something. They want the kind of healing which Jesus represents.

We can be the healing presence of Jesus in this hurting world. We can be the voice of love which transforms. We can enhance the freedom of others as we act with humility, compassion and grace. In the name of Jesus, we can be a blessing to this country which we all love. 

From the time of the hootenanny days in the early sixties to the present, this Canadian folk song  has been expressively sung by young and old alike.  

“This land is your land, this land is my land,

From Bonavista to Vancouver Island

From the Arctic Circle to the Great Lake Waters

This land was made ... by our God... for you and me.”  

The song was originally an American song, written by Woody Guthrie in the 1940's.

Somehow, though, the lyrics: 

“From California to New York Island

 From the Redwood Forests to the Gulf Stream waters”  

…don’t stir my heart quite as much.  For the record, the Canadian version of the song was penned by Pete Seeger in the early 1960’s, following a visit that Pete made to the Canadian Maritimes.

Nearly three thousand years ago the writer of Deuteronomy recorded a similar song; similar in both it’s national pride and its joyful expression of hope:  

 “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land,

 A land of brooks of waters, of fountains and springs,

 Flowing forth in valleys and hills,

 A land of wheat and barley...”  

The Israelite people believed with all their might that God, in bringing them to the Promised Land, was bringing them into a land of milk and honey,  a land where there would be bread without scarceness.  

They were all the more appreciative of that because they had just spent decades in the slavery of Egypt and forty years in a dusty desert.  

When they reached the Promised Land they knew it; they smelled it; they tasted it, and they fell on bended knee to give thanks.  

Canadians, no less, live in a Promised Land, a land of milk and honey. 

The Israelite people were well instructed that it was GOD who created their nation.

They had been singing for centuries that which Canadians have only been mouthing for decades:

“Your hand, O God, has guided  your flock from age to age...”  

Here, then, is but a very small slice of our Canadian history.  

You may know of Pierre Radisson, the wily frontiersman, who with musket and moccasin, opened up the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company  in the vast north-west.

You may know of Father Jean de Brebuf, the frontier saint, martyred at Midland, Ontario inside his crude log church, for the cross of Christ.

I ask you to remember this morning, though, one of our lesser-known compatriots, David Thompson. Lesser known, yet the greatest of all Canadian map-makers and explorers; some think of him as “the greatest geographer who ever lived.”

Thompson was born in 1770. Throughout his life he was motivated by scientific curiosity and Christian saintliness. Although blind in one eye, he travelled the breadth of North America

- over 80,000 kilometres on foot, horseback and canoe-  putting 1,200,000 square miles of Canadian territory on the map.

In 1778, with all the money he had, he bought a brass sextant. With it he could shoot the sun and the stars and fix the position of rivers and lakes, mountain passes and trading posts.

Thompson was not only a map maker but out of necessity was a hunter, fur trader and a leader of a wild group of Courier de Bois.

His most memorable moment came in 1799 when in the stillness of the Rocky Mountains Thompson watched the water flowing WESTWARD down Blaeberry Creek and knew at last he had tracked down the mysterious river of the West, the Columbia River at what was later called the Continental Divide. Here he had to outwit the Indian war parties who were so opposed to his crossing of the great divide. His men insisted that he win them over by using rum as an ideal item of trade. Thompson staunchly refused.  He had sworn an oath before God that as long as he was leader of the expedition no liquor would be brought across the Divide “to debauch the Indians”.  

Mysteriously, then, but undoubtedly as Thompson had wished, the barrels of ‘demon’ rum sprang leaks, spilling onto the flanks of the horses as they rubbed against the rocks of a narrow pass. David Thompson had kept his oath.  

On their knees beside this little Blaeberry Creek (by waters that would eventually flow into the mighty Pacific) in one of the most sacred moments in all of Canadian history,in 1799, Thompson and his little group prayed:  

“May God in His mercy

 give me to see

 where its waters flow into the ocean

 and return in safety.”  

God granted the prayer!  But, for a frontier hero who had achieved so much, his final years were sad and neglected. Eventually he had to sell his precious instruments due to poverty.

For the last ten years of his life  the man whom the Indians called the ‘Stargazer’ was completely blind. His death in 1857, near Montreal, went unnoticed by the world.

But this Canada Day, let’s remember him and give thanks to God for his courage, his frontier spirit and his witness: 

Let’s all make a promise today, here together before God:

Many of us will be soon going on holidays, and a lot of us will be out exploring the beauty of Canada.  

Somewhere, sometime, out on the road this summer, stop.

Look around you. Feel it. Taste it. See it. Really see the majesty around you. 

And we might look foolish getting down on your knees...  so perhaps we could just bow our heads for a quick minute, in the midst of all that grandure and beauty, and give humble thanks to God.  

This land is your land, this land is my land,

From Bonavista to Vancouver Island

From the Arctic Circle to the Great Lake Waters

This land was made...by a loving God...

 and graciously loaned to you and me.  

Now, as we take time in our worship today to thank God for this country of Canada, it’s also good for us to ask ourselves some questions. How we might be called to think of ourselves as Canadians AND as Christians? Are the two one and the same, or are there times when our faith, our love of God, might take precedence over our nationality, our love of country? Do we live in a Christian nation, and is it right to want Canada to be a Christian nation?

Whatever we might say in answer to these questions, I think we can start by saying that we are blessed to live here. Yes, the taxes are high, our governments never seem to do enough for us, and not everything works as well as it should. However, when we consider what we do have, our complaints seem to dwindle in size to mere grumbles. We are blessed with a richness of resources. We are blessed to live in peace with our neighbour. Our standard of living is high. We have more schooling, more health care, safer cities, longer life expectancies and more opportunities than billions of people enjoy around the globe.


My cousin was a career soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces. Once, newly home from a tour in Bosnia, he said to me, "My tour was a real eye opener for what we take for granted here in Canada".  

Of course, being Canadian, he didn’t tell me this in a bragging way, but in the quiet, matter of fact way that most Canadians use when we speak about our country. At sporting events we don’t sing the national anthem loudly (sometimes not at all) but I am sure that everyone in a crowd, whether they sing O Canada or not, would agree that Canada as a country is blessed.


Was it just luck that we happened to be born in this place at this time in history or was there some purpose to it? If God has truly blessed us, as I think he has, what does he expect of us in return? How does God want us to use these blessings? Does God want Canada to be a Christian country?


I think that one of the greatest blessings of Canada is our virtue of tolerance. Tolerance is the glue that holds our country together, that allows us to work and live with Canadians of other faiths, or of no faiths. We can’t call down fire on one another when we disagree – that way led to Rwanda and Bosnia. We always need to work and strive and pray for a country where the immigrants are welcomed and encouraged to bring the best of who they are, understanding that their new identities as Canadians include the responsibility of tolerance. Hatred and prejudice is not welcome in their luggage, and it should be shunned by we who welcome them.


As Christians in Canada, our culture of tolerance to all races and religions poses problems that the first Christian settlers and founders could not have envisioned. It seems clear to me that we can’t call ourselves exclusively a Christian country any more. Your children and grandchildren will go to school and work with the sons and daughters from races, cultures and religions from around the world. Our challenge, in our families, in our churches, and in our Sunday Schools, is first to teach our children to be Christians, but also to teach them to live in tolerance and harmony with our neighbors, our friends, our fellow Canadians.

By loving God and loving one another, sharing the good things that God has given to our country, we can all live in gratitude for our blessings. We are truly blessed to live in Canada – may we always want to share those blessings, so that our country is salt and light to the world.  

So, in the words of our National Anthem: 

Help us to find, o God in Thee

A lasting, rich reward.

As waiting for a better day,

We ever stand on guard

Happy are all those who acknowledge God as their Creator.

Blessed is the nation that wishes to honour Christ as King. 

And, in the meantime: 

God keep our land, glorious and free:

O, Canada we ever stand on guard for thee.

Amen.

PARABLES & MORE PARABLES 
Adapted by Nancy Campbell from the work of John Greenwood.

CHOIR:          “Sing To Me”

INTRODUCTION:   

CHOIR:          “Lend A Hand”

I WILL TALK IN PARABLES:

 
CHOIR:          “Knock On The Door”

PARABLE OF THE SOWER:

PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE & THE TAX COLLECTOR:

CHOIR:          “In Humility, My Saviour”

PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON:      

CHOIR:          “The Prodigal Son”

PARABLE OF THE WEDDING FEAST:

CHOIR:          “What Will Your Answer Be?”

PARABLE OF THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT:

SOLO:                        “The Unmerciful Servant”

PARABLE OF THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD:

CHOIR:          “Put Away Your Checklists”

PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN:

CHOIR:          “The Good Samaritan”

INTERPRETING THE PARABLES:

CHOIR:          “We Pray” & “Send The Message Of Love”

PRAYER:

HYMN:           #498    Sing Them Over Again To Me”

BENEDICTION & CHORAL AMEN:  

POSTLUDE:   Chenaniah      

A young boy had just gotten his driving permit. He asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss the use of the car. His father took him to his study and said to him, "I'll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your bible a little and get your hair cut and we'll talk about it." After about a month, the boy came back and again asked his father, if they could discuss use of the car. They again went to the father's study where his father said, "Son, I've been real proud of you. You have brought your grades up, you've studied your bible diligently, but you didn't get your hair cut." The young man waited a moment and replied, "You know Dad, I've been thinking about that. You know, Samsom had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Jesus had long hair!", to which is father replied, "Yes, you're right, and they also WALKED everywhere they went!" I feel like my life has been full of these little comments like this from my father- and that they have made my life that much more rich. It was never a dull moment. I have learned to cherish and remember these little bits of wisdom that often come out in one joke or another.  There is a lot of talk about fatherhood and being a father figure in the bible. Although it may not be as explicit as we would sometimes like. However, we can always read into it and discover what the qualities are of a good father and how they are perceived by others.  Maybe you are now wondering, well, what do the readings have to do with Father’s day? And you’d be right, but, correct me if I’m wrong---- The story of creation is almost like growing up as a child with your parents. Dad pays the hydro, brings food and if you’re lucky and responsible enough he gives you dominion over your brother and sister when you babysit….  I think that the story of creation found in Genesis says something about the very nature of Dad’s.

          First of all, many of us know of a father figure who would create and perhaps has created a world for us. That is to say that he has given everything he possibly can to ensure your well being and happiness. No, he did not create beasts or the sun or the moon. But he did put a roof over our heads, food on the table and joy in our hearts. And we know that being a father isn’t always as glamorous as we hear about the creation narrative about our father in heaven. But that’s just it. Fatherhood, or at least how I see it from a child’s point of view is never just cut and dry, or black and white. It’s an ever changing situation that brings out the very best from these loving individuals.   In addition, my dad never takes a day off. We read that on the 7th day God rested, well, the dad’s I know never take a day off- no matter how much we think they may deserve it or need to take it off. Their primary concern is the well being of their family and estate. Even when they do take a day off, I can just picture them worrying about all kinds of things. Are my kids okay? Is my wife doing well, what will work be like tomorrow etc etc.  The job a father has is more than a 9-5, 24/6 job. It is a job while being a hobby at the same time because of the amount of love, time and energy most dads put into their relationships with everyone around them. And that’s why my dad is my role model. I figure if I can be half the man my dad is, I’ll be a heck of a guy.

          In the reading from Psalm 8 that is attributed to King David we are able to get a glimpse into the adoration and veneration he or the author had for God.  How majestic is your name o God. The very name just, well, at the time oozed majesty and power. The word and name of God was just a powerful name that commanded love and respect. We know this because all that which is written about God but also because of the amount of times that we hear about the praising of God in the Psalms in addition to the other Scriptures.  We read that God has founded bulwarks in the mouths of infants and babies to silence our enemies and our avengers. He doesn’t want any bad to come of us. (A quick note: A bulwark is defined as a “defensive wall”. ) This is undoubtedly to prevent the children from speaking ill about others, about themselves or cursing.  You see, God didn’t want any sort of corruption on his children so the author wrote that a wall was built to keep those types of emotions or phrases out. It is an image that we can more readily believe in. Instead of writing “And God said to all the children, do not speak like your enemies or use language that involves hate or evil the author writes that God built a wall in the mouths and minds of the children.  This is presumably without their permission because quite frankly it’s hard enough to fit braces in a mouth…. But in all seriousness there is a tremendous amount of love there. God presumably does not want his chidlrent to go down to the level of their enemies and engage in te type of conversation or belittling that may be taking place. I mean, it’s no bar of soap that some people here may be familiar with but it certainly does the trick.  

          “When I look at your work (such as the stars and the moon)… what are humans, what are mortals that you care for them…? The psalmist is asking God what makes human beings so special that he sets them apart from all the other creatures that swim, crawl, slither or fly.  Because God did set us apart from the rest of creation. If we take a moment and just imagine the author gazing up into the night sky and seeing the glittering stars, the bright moon and just wondering how did he get so lucky to be blessed and created by God. I think that that is a beautiful image. Amidst all the glory around us, we sometimes lose the ability to perhaps appreciated the wonders of God’s work that is all around us. But the author of Psalm 8 captures it beautifully. I mean, the beauty of the stars and moon way above in the night sky have mesmerized the author into a trance of sorts and we can imagine him being so grateful to be alive, to be mortal and to be loved by God.  We read that us mortals have been given a crown of glory and honor and through that have been given dominion over the works of God’s hands, that is, His creation.  That is quite a task, quite  a job that we have been given. We have been tasked with taking care of the world and sort of ruling over it. Not in the tyrannical or royal way that we read about in books. But we are meant to be princes and princesses to the Lord our God on earth.  There is so much beauty and so much majesty in the world and we have been blessed by the grace of God to not only dwell among the soaring birds, the galloping horses and the lush forests, but we have been given dominion over it. We have a sort of VIP card to creation that God saw fit to bestow upon us. I don’t know if I can imagine this, but if we can just for a second try and put ourselves in the mindset of God or what we think he may have been thinking. Right, so picture God, sitting, feet up on the coffee table (Which is a huge no-no at my parents place by the way) and he has just finished looking over his creation. He looks around and sees the Milky Way, the twinkling stars and the comets that shoot across the night sky as if it was an artists canvas. He takes a closer look and sees animals and their families making their way in the world. They are playing, hunting and what have you. He takes an even closer look and even in the leaves and rivers there is this unmistakable beauty. Then, he’s like, this could use something more and He creates humankind. After all the beauty that has been given man is then created. Amongst all the majesty of nature and His works he saw it fit to create us in HIS image.  That’s something. If we may draw parallels to our modern world. We can perhaps imagine that newlyweds are in their honeymoon phase, perhaps have a new apartment, new stuff to fill that apartment and they are happy. But then they decide to bring a new life into the world. Because of their love for one another and for children they decide, that amongst all their happiness they should have a child. And it is this decision that has the potential to upset the seemingly perfect balance that has been created beforehand. But it doesn’t. With guidance the child grows up to be strong thanks to the teaching of its mother and father.  God so loved the world that he created humankind to take care of it, to raise it and to nurture it.  And that’s what father’s do isn’t it. They raise their children. They have this relationship with their kids that is simply beautiful. And I am not saying that mothers don’t. But today, given that it’s Father’s day I would like to highlight the dads.

          In the reading from the Gospel of Matthew we heard that Jesus reportedly said that all authority and heaven and earth had been given to Him.  And this is in response to those who wroshipped him and those who doubted him. Jesus Christ was the Lord of two worlds if you will. For his kingdom as we read in the Scriptures was not of this world, yet, he reigned here for a little while, living the life of a mortal being.  And in Matthew he commands the disciples to go out and make disciples of all the nations. Bring them to be disciples of Christ. He wants everything to be part of the goods news that is life so that he wants eberyone to be a part of it. He didn’t get a guestlist and be like, oh Bob from Samaria? Yeah… don’t tell him about me. No, he said to the disciples go and make disciples out of ALL THE NATIONS. He didn’t just love his immediate family which was the disciples, nor did he only care for the inhabitants of Nazareth, but of all the nations. No one is to be left behind. 

          And the disicples in this case are thinking “Yeah, maybe we can do this… but we’re going to be awfully far from you Lord, like, more than a donkey ride and boat trip away… And like, what happens if we get lost or get sick or get old while we are making discples out of everybody? Jesus responds with one of my favorite lines in the entire Bible, both Hebrew Bible and the New testament. He says, “Remember, that I am with you to the end of the age”. Beautiful.  Do not worry about distance, sickness, sadness or longing to be with someone… why? Because Christ is with us to the very end, to the end of time. That’s a heck of a long time, we cannot even imagine that measure of time. We just know it’s a really long time. I mean, often times we have problems committing to going to class for a week… I mean… ummm… scratch that. Dad, you heard nothing. But seriously, we hear about people who have been married for 50, 6- + years and we are like .. geez, that;s a logn time. They’ve committed for over half a century. And what does Jesus do?  He commits himself to be a part of not only the disicples lives, but of all the nations lives TILL THE END OF TIME. That’s a huge commitment to show how much love and how much faith he had not only in the disciples but in mankind.   

          Fathers, they’re in their relationships for the long haul too. Night or day, dad is always there if you need something. It does not matter whether it is in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn he will always be there for the his wife and kids, or at least in my experience.   My dad has always said how much he loved us and that he would do anything so that we would be happy. And although I don’t necessarily understand why or exactly what that means all the time, the meaning of it is not lost on me. I have been blessed to able to have the Father, role model and friend I have. He asks that I treat others the way I want to be treated, to go out and practice what I preach… And I know that he will love me, my siblings and my mother till the end of our time. And that is something which I know and hope that everyone here has as well.

          A young boy once asked “Dad, are bugs good to eat?” asked the boy.

“Let’s not talk about such things at the dinner table, son,” his father replied. After dinner the father inquired, “Now, son, what did you want to ask me?”  “Oh, nothing,” the boy said.  “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone.”

Jim Valvano once said “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”

Amen.

Opening Prayer

You are here, Lord, in this place. Now. Not only do we stand in awe of how great You are, larger than our imagination; But we also can scarcely comprehend that You are with us this moment. Yes, from a distance You are watching us. But You stand beside us as well. Your Spirit's presence quickens our pulse, fills us with wonder when we become aware than You are near. In extra-ordinary, as well as common, every-day ways, You make Your presence known to us. This is Your time of worship, God. The words don't belong to the Pastor or myself. The music isn't the property of the organist. The praying and singing we all do comes not only from us but, most importantly, from You. When we lose sight of this, today as well as every day, O Lord, forgive us, and live in and through us. Do great things with us right now, and in the week which lies ahead. We pray this, our heavenly Father, in the name of Your Son — Jesus Christ, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.  
Let us now pray the prayer you Lord have taught us to pray:
‘Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
For thine is the Kingdom the power and glory forever and ever Amen

The Offertory Prayer

Almighty God, we gather in the name of the one to whom all authority is given – Jesus Christ. As we offer you this money, you ask us to renew our commitment to be your faith-filled disciples. May our lifestyles reflect a desire to be in mission for others. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20

Prayer for D-Day

Friday marked the 70th anniversary of D Day. We thank God for the courage and bravery of the men and women who took part in D Day, and whose great sacrifice brought peace to Europe. Heavenly father we pray for those for whom the memory of what happened this day 70 years ago still remains fresh, and for friends and loved ones who died in the struggle for peace. Shall we take a moment of silence.

As we commemorate the events of 70 years ago, we also pray for places around the world where there is conflict this day, we pray especially for the people of Syria, Ukraine, Southern Sudan and Central African Republic. Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Lord ble

ss all those who are engaged in the struggle for justice and peace in our world this day. We ask this in the name of the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gordon Furey sings

"Child Of Mine"
by Carole King

Although you see the world different than me
Sometimes I can touch upon the wonders that you see
All the new colors and pictures you've designed
Oh yes, sweet darling
So glad you are a child of mine

Child of mine, child of mine
Oh yes, sweet darling
So glad you are a child of mine

You don't need direction, you know which way to go
And I don't want to hold you back, I just want to watch you grow
You're the one who taught me you don't have to look behind
Oh yes, sweet darling
So glad you are a child of mine

Child of mine, child of mine
Oh yes, sweet darling
So glad you are a child of mine

Nobody's gonna kill your dreams
Or tell you how to live your life
There'll always be people to make it hard for a while
But you'll change their heads when they see you smile

The times you were born in may not have been the best
But you can make the times to come better than the rest
I know you will be honest if you can't always be kind
Oh yes, sweet darling
So glad you are a child of mine

Child of mine, child of mine,
Oh yes, sweet darling
So glad you are a child of mine

Child of mine, child of mine
Oh yes, sweet darling
So glad you are a child of mine


Psalm 119:17-24, 49-56
New International Version (NIV)

ג Gimel
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
    that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
    do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
    for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
    those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
    for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
    your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

Psalm 119:49-56
New International Version (NIV)
ז Zayin

49 Remember your word to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
    but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
    and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
    who have forsaken your law.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
    wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
    that I may keep your law.
56 This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts.


STRANGERS IN THE WORLD
Sermon Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
By : James Zondervan 

Have you ever felt like a "duck out of water"? Have you ever felt uncomfortable, out of place, like you just didn't belong? Perhaps you went somewhere in casual clothes, while everyone else was in more formal attire, and you felt rather conspicuous and out of it. Or maybe you found yourself in a group of people who were swearing or telling off-color jokes, and you didn't quite know what to do or how to react. Or you go to a birthday party, but are the only one who forgot to bring a gift. Or maybe the gift you brought is obviously the cheapest, and the recipient can barely hide her disappointment. From time to time, we all feel conspicuous or out of place, like we don't belong.

According to these Scripture passages, God's people, Christians, should always feel somewhat out of place in this world. They ought to feel like strangers, pilgrims, aliens, like "ducks out of water," out of their proper environment. The Psalmist said, "I am a stranger on earth" (Psalm 119:19a) Since I am a stranger on the earth, do not hide your commands from me.. The phrase, "wherever I lodge," in verse 54, literally means: "in my temporary house." According to Hebrews 11, the "heroes of the faith" "admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth" (verse 13) All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them..

Peter describes his Christian readers as "aliens and strangers in the world."

As strangers in the world, we are disturbed by many things. Our own mortality can be distressing. Children grow up and parents grow old. In the countryside, one can see many abandoned farm places. At one time the houses were probably dream homes, but are now dilapidated and the people are long gone. If you have not seen the friends and acquaintances of your youth lately, it might surprise you to see that they now have gray hair. It reminds us that we are growing older, and that life is going by rapidly. Also distressing is the fact that bad things happen to basically good people, to God's people. There was a fine Christian woman, who was very active in her church. Once she took her son's paper route while he was at a Cadet camp-out. Somewhere along the line she fell, severely damaging her ankle. In fact, later she ended up on crutches. Although in considerable pain, she wanted to finish the route before going to the doctor. To save a few agonizing steps, she hobbled across a lawn. Halfway across, the door opened and an angry voice shouted: "What's the matter with you, walking on the grass? Someone your age ought to know better."

She saw some humor in that later. Other things that happen to us are no laughing matter; not now, not ever. They are downright distressing or discouraging, and remind us of how vulnerable we really are.

The Psalmist was well aware of his weakness and frailty. In the Psalms we read of both high and low points in the life of faith. Like the Psalmist, there are times when, spiritually speaking, we feel like we could "soar with the eagles." A short time later, however, we seem to be waddling around like penguins. Our own instability can be distressing.

Something that ought to distress us is when God is ignored or dishonored. The Psalmist said: "Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law" (119:53). When God's law is broken, people get hurt, God is offended, and society suffers the consequences.

Whether we observe it or experience it, we know that life is simply unfair. For example, God's good gifts are not evenly distributed. Professional athletes earn far more than farmers, although farmers' work is far more important. Athletes merely amuse us; farmers actually feed us. Injustice occurs every day, in all aspects of human life. The problems of the world seem so overwhelming that we are tempted to just throw up our hands in despair.

But strangers in the world are not alone in the world. In one Bible version, Psalm 119:49-56 is entitled: "God's Word is my comfort and guide whatever the circumstances." The Psalmist wrote, "My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life" (119:50). "I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them" (verse 52). He found comfort not only in Scripture, but in Scripture's Author: "You have given me hope" (verse 49).

A Christian author once said: "Life is unfair. Get over it!" His point was that in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people problems are inevitable, so don't expect too much. While our life's "book" will certainly have a happy ending, there is some sadness on almost every page.

Children soon discover that life isn't fair. There are times in your lives when bruised knees or broken dreams have brought tears to your eyes. You have probably experienced how some children and older people can be downright nasty or unkind. Maybe you yourselves said or did something that made you feel bad, that gave you a guilty conscience. Life simply isn't fair. Some people have great beauty or brains, health or wealth, while our portion seems rather small. Diseases and accidents happen to both believers and unbelievers. The Bible reminds us that while life may be unfair at times and people might be unkind,

God is always just and loving.

Peter reminds his readers that they are "God's elect, strangers in the world...who have been chosen" (I Peter 1:1, 2). Being God's chosen people does not keep us from life's storms, but it is our security in life's storms. Another Psalmist reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." When we are in the midst of a "storm," we usually ask God to calm it. Until he does, we may pray: "Lord, keep me afloat during this storm." The sea around us might be raging but in our hearts there can be the peace of God.

Psalm 4 says: "Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him" (verse 3). Children, young people, and adults need to know that they are children of God. The awareness of God's presence helped Jacob on his way (Genesis 28:12ff). Once he was alone under the stars, running for his life, when he saw a stairway with angels on it. He woke up and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.... How awesome is this place!" Then he continued his journey.

If only we could live each moment of every day with that awareness, thinking: "Surely the Lord is in this place and in my life. Because of that, How awesome is this place, and how awesome is life itself and eternal life!" Even though you might feel out of place at times, feel as though you don't belong, you do belong to your Savior.

Because you belong to him, live for him. Peter writes: "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (I Peter 2:11). Abstaining is not a very popular concept. Yet young and older people need to abstain from the sinful desires that war against our souls. Parents, teachers or pastors might say it, too, but first of all it is your God, your Savior, who says: "Abstain from sinful desires." He does not want us to lose the battle for our souls.

It is hard enough to abstain from sinful words and actions, how can we abstain from sinful desires? Perhaps we can't keep inappropriate thoughts from crossing our minds from time to time, but we can keep them from staying there. We can't prevent them from using the road, but we can put up "No Parking" signs, and we can enforce that rule.

Peter urges us to live good lives among those who don't believe (I Peter 2:12). Many people are concerned about treasures on earth, but Christians desire spiritual riches. Christians are thankful for what they do have, not angry or bitter about what they do not have. Christians confess and repent of their faults, but are not obsessed with them. They know that they have physical, mental, emotional, financial limitations. They accept God's love and forgiveness, and do their best.

A man once claimed that he was a "war baby," that his parents had taken one look at him and started fighting. Like him, everyone one of us has limitations, whether real or imagined, limitations that we have to live with. The good news is that God loves us!

Hopefully we, God's children, never waste our time wishing for things that others have, or wishing that we were more beautiful, athletic or intelligent than we are. Hopefully we realize how beautiful and special we are in the eyes of God and in the eyes of those who love us. Hopefully we enjoy ourselves, our lives, our Lord, and develop the unique gifts he has given us. Hopefully we seek first God's kingdom and God's will for our lives. Hopefully we will be the best that we can be, for God's glory and for our own good.

Though we travel as strangers or temporary residents, the Lord wants us to do good along the way, and to promote the well-being of church and society. The pilgrim Abraham was a great man of faith, who interceded for Sodom and rescued Lot. Like Abraham, Peter urges believers to make a difference in this world for God and for good. All of us are called to be part of God's Rescue Squad, who throw out the lifeline, who fulfill our part of the Great Commission. Many of us have been strangers at some time in our lives, newcomers to a certain city or community. After living for awhile in a place, people usually become more and more comfortable. They adjust, and may even adopt some of the customs and traditions of their new home. In time, they no longer feel like strangers.

Yet Scripture warns us not to become too comfortable here on earth. The Bible does not promise us comfortable lives. It teaches us that our lives on earth are temporary, and that, spiritually speaking, even when we are in the world we are not of it. It informs us of the comfort that comes from knowing that we belong to Jesus.

A company once sent pamphlets in the mail, containing the phrase: "an investment in paradise." No place on earth is a "paradise." In reality, we make an investment in the true Paradise when we commit our lives to Jesus. Paradise is the place where we will never again feel alone, out of place, discouraged, or sad. And as we travel there, we pray: "I am a stranger on earth.... Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.... Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge" (119:18,19a,54). AMEN.

Observations on Faith and works We believe well the scriptures as it says in

Eph 2;8-9 ...

Ephesians 2:8-9
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  
9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

We know that all our "works" here in this life can "never" get us to glory. Rom 3;23-24...


Romans 3:23-24
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;

We know that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
ref: John 14 v 6.

We know Acts 4 v 12 "Nor is there salvation in any other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved"Then along comes James with his epistle. Lets take a look into these passages. ((open in prayer)) James 2 v 14-18 : ff


James 2:14-18 ff
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Faith and Works
14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

James 3 v 13-18


James 3:13-18
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Wisdom from Above
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James makes a statement in 2 v 14-18 "what good is faith without works"? The conclusion useless....

In chapter 3 v 13, we see clear, practical, Godly advice, commands, warnings, encouragement, definitions that can inspire us.

First, lets look at the warning: James 3 14-16: But if there be 


A) Bitterness or envy in our hearts or self-seeking, then we stand guilty of lying against the truth.

Bitterness... destroys all involved etc.

Envy... what good ever comes from it etc.

Self-seeking...

Then strong words here: All such things are unwise, not from above, but earthly, sensual, and demonic.


We must 
A) repent of it 
B) agree with the Truth
C) Humble ourselves before God

Here is a beautiful promise found in James 1 V 5:

"Ask in Faith for Gods wisdom which he gives freely"


Godly wisdom from above and the works that bring Glory to God and bear fruit in this life are first 


A) pure and simple 
B) peaceable, gentle
C) Willing to yield ,ie in other words humble


Conclusion: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

Therefore we must humble ourselves before God and before each other and have the kind of faith that is not useless, but rather useful to God and to man.